Q: Alternative dimmer switch for IKEA LED bulbs?

Chime in on recommendations for an IKEA LED bulb dimmer switch.

I am not sure if I am the only who has ever wanted this hack but here goes.
As you know, IKEA sells a bunch of LED bulbs advertised as “dimmable” such as the E14 and GU10 bulbs. Here is one example.

alternative dimmer switch for IKEA LED bulb

LEDARE LED bulb GU10 400 lumen, warm dimming | IKEA.com

It even has a demonstration video showing the dimming feature using a circular dimmer switch. And as we dim lower, the light becomes warmer. That’s nice!

These bulbs can be installed in any regular light fixtures like in the SKURUP track light but their dimming functionality cannot be used without a compatible dimmer switch.

The regular dimmer switches sold in most electrical shops are only suitable for incandescent lights.

I have tried those and it caused the bulbs to flicker and clicks. And at the lowest setting, the lights still seem too bright as opposed to darker and warmer as claimed in the IKEA product page.

What about specialized LED dimmer switches you ask?

Well based on my experience so far I have never found any electrical shops selling those, at least here in Malaysia.

I think right now the only way to actually dim those bulbs is by using them in specialized light fixtures with built-in dimmer such as the TARNABY table lamp or NYMANE wall lamp.

So by installing these bulbs in a regular light fixture we are kind of not using the bulbs at their full potential.

So I am wondering if there’s any hackers out there who have managed to solve this dimmer switch conundrum of IKEA LED bulbs.

~ by Saiful, Kuala Lumpur

***

Hi Saiful

I’m not much of a help here. Nevertheless, I’m posting this so someone with more electrical experience may advice. Anyone?

Until more of the TRÅDFRI range reaches our shores, I’m afraid we’re limited in the lighting department.

If you do find a solution, do circle back and let us know.

Jules

The post Q: Alternative dimmer switch for IKEA LED bulbs? appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Comments

SKÅDIS: 5 ways to make the IKEA pegboard even better

IKEA introduced its own pegboard system, SKÅDIS, two years ago and I’d say it’s one of the best systems IKEA launched in recent years. I love how super customisable it is, with a growing range of accessories that help keep things organized. It works everywhere, in your wardrobe to bathroom . Probably anywhere you have a flat surface to hang it up. Photo: IKEA.com SKÅDIS pegboard system See it on IKEA.com But no matter how perfect a system, you can trust IKEA hackers to improve on the SKÅDIS. And they’ve settle these 5 issues you may have faced with the handy IKEA pegboard. Read on for their fixes. 5 IKEA SKÅDIS issues and fixes #1 Expensive hooks? You’ll need quite a number of hooks and accessories to fill up the SKÅDIS pegboard, and Kenyer was shocked at how quickly they all added up. So he figured he could make his own hooks to save cost. Photo: Kenyer Over at Instructables , he shows us how to twist copper wires into the SKÅDIS hook shape. It works s...

KALLAX desk ideas: Three ways to set up a workstation

Three great ideas for a KALLAX desk . #1 Compact, minimalist desk for laptop I put together a KALLAX desk for my laptop for just under 25 euros. Just a KALLAX 2×2 is needed. No other materials required. IKEA item used: KALLAX 2 x 2 (77 x 77 cm) KALLAX 2×2 | IKEA.com All you need to do is assemble 3 of the pieces in a U shape. That is all. If you want to strengthen the structure you would need to drill a couple of holes in order to use the long middle shelf of the KALLAX unit as a back reinforcer. Easy and it works. ~ by Fabio Tudela #2 KALLAX standing desk I choose to stand at work because it makes me feel infinitely more productive. Our department recently moved into a new building and we had the opportunity to design our own spaces. Items Used: VIKA AMON / TORNLIDEN table top x 2 (discontinued, replaced by LINNMON ) KALLAX 4 cube x 2 KALLAX drawer unit x 2 8 – 3″ locking casters / wheels 1 – 6′ zinc brace I had a few VIKA AMON tables ...

Hackers Help: How to remake cam lock holes?

I want to put a 78.5” wide PAX configuration in a 77” space for a kids room . My plan is to eliminate the drawer on the right unit, then cut the shelves and rails to be 1.5” narrower. My question is, how do people attach two laminated pressboard IKEA pieces after they’ve cut off the cam lock holes? Related: See more Hackers Help questions and answers . Are they using drills bits and/or tiny hole saws to remake the cam lock holes? Or screws drilled in from the outside with wood glue? The outside pieces won’t be visible in my completed setup so I could go either way. I’m curious what other people are doing, either I haven’t seen this detail in past hacks or I haven’t been paying attention. ~ by Jenny *** Hi Jenny The best and tidiest method is to use the cut-off portion as a template to reproduce the same cam lock holes in the correct positions. The right sized drill bits and a Forstner bit should do the trick. A Forstner bit will drill a flat-bottomed hole (...

Martin Cooper

Search This Blog