Dimming NON-dimmable LED filament bulbs & life extension
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- čas přidán 13. 08. 2022
- Some LED bulbs are "non-dimmable". But I found a way to dim my vintage style led filament bulbs. These bulbs can be quite expensive, so running them at a lower intensity can extend their lifespan. They visually look quite nice, when you run them at a low brightness, (without being blinded by them).
In this video I will show you how how I dimmed these "non-dimmable" bulbs.
#electronicscreators
This is such a simple way to do it, thanks for sharing. I'm curious, would the capacitor rating change the dimming effect? My thinking is to use one capacitor for one dimm "setting" and another one for a different setting. This way you have on/off, full brightness, half brightness, quarter brightness (something like that).
Yes exactly! You're correct 😉👍. You would have to experimentally verify which capacitor value gives you the correct brightness you desire. Different wattage LED bulbs will also yield different results, for a given capacitor value. It would also be possible to dim multiple bulbs (the same type) from one capacitor! You could use a rotary selector switch, to switch in different capacitors.
@@MyProjectBoxChannel Hi Sarel, this awesome, have you experimented to determine the capacitor values for two, three or four light bulbs . Thank you
@@tbk19656 if you want to dim multiple bulbs from one capacitor, it's important that all of them are the same type and wattage.
Hi everyone, I purchased some 0,22uf capacitors. When I connected the capacitors in series the intensity became lower and there is also a voltage drop.
When I connected additional capacitors in parallel the intensity increased and the voltage as well.
I am ever so greatful. 😊
@@tbk19656 I'm glad it worked for you👍. Not all types of led bulbs work with this method.
Such a simple idea, and it works, Thank You.
I tried this on the step-daughter’s 4 non-dimmable ceiling LED’s ‘FIXED LED SLIM DOWNLIGHT, 11W 1200LM’ brought from Screwfix, they were so bright and needed dimming.
Tested on one lamp first, 0.47uF capacitor, Dimmed nicely, voltage was 140v.
Next wired into the 4 ceiling down lights, voltage had dropped to 60v, brightness was really down, but when she tried it at night time, it proved to be too low, so I need to change the capacitor value, But it works
@@Bigmalc0 Yes the dimming effect is load dependent, so multiple led lights in parallel will require a larger capacitor. You could have a high/Low switch, for full brightness and dimmed mode. I'm glad it worked for you😉👍. Thanks for sharing your findings with this type of LED light fixture. It's good to know that it's is possible to dim this type of (non-dimmable) ceiling light, with a capacitor
@@MyProjectBoxChannel I like the idea of having two different light levels, but in the daughter's case, it is not possible to contain it in the switch housing, I've tried.
Can you get a remote switch a bit like the garage door where one press turns the light on, second press for half brightness, third press turn off,
On another idea, do you know if the Sonoff R3, is in Half Brightness mode and you were to turn the lights off at the switch, when you turn it back on, will the Sonoff R3 remember the last setting?
@@Bigmalc0Some time ago, I used a sonoff dual, with two outputs, to do the high/low modes. It was the older one but the newer one will be better. czcams.com/video/EUKop6N4cX0/video.html
Thank you. Simple and cheap. Installing dimmer with dimmable LED is a mine field which I don't want to go into.
So simple, but so great. Thanks.
That is very clever. Thank you. That really appeals to my inquisitive nature! I'm getting frustrated with the new style GU10 globe's, especially the bright white's.. Too stark, I miss the mood that the old halogen bulbs had!!
It works with some of the "no-dimmeble" GU10 lamps aswell. (Not all but many)
Simple and effective 👍
Well thanks to you, I made one light dimmable but with a twist, I purchased a Wi-Fi controllable 2 relay unit so bedtime we have a dimmed bedside light to go to sleep for my wife she always goes first then when I go to bed I can just use my phone to switch off the light, just do the other one now, Cheers Bob in the UK
Nice one 👍. I have done a high/low/off with a sonoff-dual relay. I feel the one perfect dim setting is all you really need. czcams.com/video/EUKop6N4cX0/video.html
Thank you SO MUCH for this. I test things since month and you' ve got the solution, thanks a lot ❤❤
I'm glad it works for you 😉👍
Thank you so much for this idea. Im amazed, how simple and effective this is, my LED power consumption went from 19.W to 12.5 W
It will last longer too.
Nice idea, my only concern would be that the power rating of the capacitor is high enough. Suppression capacitors designed to be used across power supply rails should obviously be fine, but there will be other capacitors of the same value and voltage ratings which would quickly burst into flames. Make sure you know what you're doing people. 👍
I think I did mention to use class X suppression capacitors, in the video. I normally selvedge them out of old power supplys.
Can't get much simpler than a capacitive dropper 👍
Clive would be proud
Great, Thanks. 😊
yup i wanted to do this with non dimmable non capacive dropper lights, same thing but only with the current sense resistor
I have done the current sense resistor modification before 😉. It works well. I put a potentiometer in its place to adjust the LED current. I made a LED bulb with a dimmer knob on top. Big Clive normally just snaps one of the parallel resistors to "half" the current. You can view my video on it, if you like
czcams.com/video/wWVrdxko0dg/video.html
You could also use a 2 way switch to change between capacitor in series and direct mains connection without shorting the capacitor.
Yes that is a alternative way to do it, basically a changeover switch it's basically what I did in this video with a sonoff dual czcams.com/video/EUKop6N4cX0/video.html
very clever! thanks for sharing!
So you know if this trick works with LEDs that come with a power supply brick, too?
Also, do adjustible capacitance dimmer exist?
I don't think a capacitor will "dim" LED's that have a external power supply/driver. 🤔 It's not a universal quick fix for all LED lights, some testing is required.
You could make a switched capacitor, with a selector switch, to switch in different capacitors. It's a bit impractical but it is possible.
A series capacitor completely blocks DC current, so this trick only works on AC, like mains. The power supply brick might output pure DC or might output DC with an AC component.
Nice very cleaver
I was hoping to reduce the brightness of a ceiling light fixture, I think it’s a strip of leds - would a capacitor work in this scenario?
I have some string LED lights on a fifty foot cord. 5 lights per cord. Work lights actually. They pump out about 700 lumens per bulb. I think they are the cluster type light emitting diodes in each.
The cord plugs into a wall or generator, and you get what you get. Dazzled.
I bought them because are versatile in their usefulness. One of those uses is providing light when the power goes out in my house. They will be plugged into an ecoflow delta 2 energy storage device. Is there a way of making them dimmable in this configuration? Something before the plug perhaps?
It could work, it all depends on the type of driver inside of your LED lamps.( SMPS drivers, probably won't work) It's just a matter of experimentation. You could try putting a small motor capacitor, or capacitor from a old fluorescent fitting, in line with the Live wire(feeding the plug socket). Maybe 2 - 6 uF. If it has a useful effect, then you can increase or lower the value as needed. Just try it and see. You have nothing to lose.
I have 2 of these bulbs in our bedside lights so will add the caps inline with the feed wire to each lamp, so thanks for the idea it should work well,
l I think the 0.22uF at 400 volts will be the best one for me, this will give the best dimming
There's only one way to find out give it a try👍😉. Obviously different wattage bulbs will react differently to the capacitor values. So some experimentation is required.
Thanks very helpful, wanna know does it goes for tungsten bulb too? and how many bulbs can be attached to a single cap!?
Yes a tungsten bulb would work, but you would need a much bigger capacitor! Because of the increased current draw of a tungsten lamp. Cheap "traditional dimmer switches", were designed for old school tungsten lamps. So it's more practical for them.
Yes you can dim multiple LED bulbs from one capacitor. You will need a larger capacitor, for more bulbs on one circuit, for a given brightness level. Also all your LED bulb need to be the same type and power rating, to get a consistent brightness between them.
@@MyProjectBoxChannel thank you so much for your feedback 🤗
Waiting for future videos 😇
I use capacitors as a LED bulb dimmer and 3 button switch. :)
Chilling pace dim cool..buyer for 1.
Hey, great idea, only one thing to improve - It should be vice versa: High next on On and Low next to Off, more intuitive
Great video... Will it reduce power consumption also ?
Yes it will.👍😉
Can you recommend me what rating capacitor should I use to convert 4 watt led to 0.5 watt (230v)
A good way to save any light is with soft start, and I am sure you know how that is done?
NTC thermistor Inrush Current limiter, is a very simple approach, but maybe not for such a small load. Maybe if multiple light bulbs are connected to the same thermistor. And one cap dropper could dim multiple bulbs with a larger value capacitor. What do you think?
Thanks a lot.
I tried this option, and on test that I made( with one light bulb) it worked ... but when I tried on the ceiling ligths, all leds, start flashing.
Any solution?
It all depends what type of LED driver the bulbs have inside. With some types of driver it just doesn't work. (SMPS type for example). You could try a larger value capacitor. It's also a good idea to test it on the brand of bulb you're planning to use it on first.
Great vide¡¡¡ Do I need one capacitor for each bulb ? or, can I use just one for 4 bulbs ? And what value for the capacitor should I buy?
It is possible to use one capacitor for 4 LED bulbs, but the bulbs need to be identical, and you will require a bigger value capacitor. The value of the capacitor depends on the wattage of the bulbs. So you would have to experiment. I would try 1uF or 2uF capacitor, and if the bulbs are too bright, then you should use a lower value, maybe 0.47uf.
@@MyProjectBoxChannel Thanks for the answer, it helped me a lot.
@@MyProjectBoxChannelDoes this scale linearly? I have replaced all of my string light bulbs with 1W LEDs (in place of the 11W) incandescent. However I have a line of nearly 100 bulbs…
What size capacitor are you using?
I have some low voltage leds I’d like to dim. (12v, 4W). What size capacitor would I use?
Thanks
If it's 12v DC, a capacitor dropper won't work. You could use a resistor, but that would be inefficient as you would burn off heat(but it is very simple). A PWM dimmer circuit is very efficient for 12v DC LED lamps.
@@MyProjectBoxChannel resistor only works on dimmable bulbs. Mine are not dimmable. I did find another video that suggested putting a single dimmable light in the same circuit would make all of them act as if they’re dimmable. Will try that next.
@@AverageCarGuy Is it 12v for automotive car use?
@@AverageCarGuy Hi... Did it work? Putting a single dimmable globe into the circuit?. I saw that video.
Dear your can use trimmer used for fan speed control ...then enjoy variable dimming effect
This particular bulb is not dimmable! The fan speed control will not work with this type of led bulb 😮💨. That is why I used a capacitor. But you could use a selector switch with multiple capacitors, to get variable dimming.
@@MyProjectBoxChannel .. I think its resistive load!!! Fan dimmer should work .. anyhow if you are saying You might have tried it 👌👌
@@crazycoolguy109677 the LED bulb is not a resistive load, like the older incandescent bulbs. It has LED filaments, and each filament has about 70 micro leds connected in series. This has a DC forward voltage of about 200v. There is a current regulated power supply in the base of the bulb. If you try to adjust the input voltage with something like a dimmer, the bulb will will flash on and off, or not work at all, depending on the input voltage.
I wonder if this would work for drivers too ?
Some LED driver circuits won't like it. But you might get lucky.
Could this work on a string of LED lights as well ?
Yes I'm wondering if you need one for each bulb or would one at the switch do the same job
I tried using some LED bulbs that looked similar to that in my porch lights and they did not come on at all. I've yet to find "dimmable" LED bulbs that work.
Sir if i want 2 connect 4 lights in. a circuit. Its controll in one switch. How many capacitors or per piece of light connection capacitor or its capacitor value plz reply it
You can do it with just one capacitor. It just needs to be a larger value. You would need to experiment with different capacitors, to get the right value. All the LED bulbs on that circuit, need to have the same wattage and the same type/make. Try start with 1uf and go up in value to get the brightness you require.
what would you suggest for a capacitor rating on a 120v candelabra fixture with 16 LED non-dimmable bulbs, each bulb at 4W?
It definitely will require some experimentation 🧐🤔. The brightness level you personally require, is going different for everyone. You could try 2uf upto 4uF maybe? A capacitor from a single phase motor might be suitable(or old type florescent light fitting capacitor). If that still is too bright, try a smaller 1uF class-x or -y safety capacitor. You can put capacitors in parallel to increase the brightness, or in series to decrease the brightness. It's worth remembering that this method doesn't work with all types of led bulbs! Also make sure that all the bulbs are exactly the same type😉👍
Yes all 16 bulbs replaced with the same exact bulb. Thanks so much. I'll give it a try. @@MyProjectBoxChannel
Can I connect multiple bulbs on on3 capacitor ?
YES! It is possible to use one capacitor for multiple LED bulbs, but the bulbs need to be identical, and you will require a bigger value capacitor. The value of the capacitor depends on the wattage of the bulbs. So you would have to experiment. I would try 1uF or 2uF capacitor, and if the bulbs are too bright, then you should use a lower value, maybe 0.47uf
I want to dim twenty filament light bulbs connected in parallel, what capacitor do I need? Each bulb has 4.5 Watt.
It's hard to say without some experimentation. But I would start at about 1uF or 2uF. Mabe put some in parallel to determine the required brightness. Class X2 safety capacitor is a good option. It's a good idea to put a 5ohm resistor(1w) inline with the switch that bridges the capacitor. This will protect the contacts from excessive wear, when Bridging out a larger charged capacitor, and prolong it's life.
Thank you for your reply🙇, I'll try using 1uF and 2uF.
Yesterday I tried using a dimmer, but after 2-3 mins bulbs started to flicker and I had to switch the dimmer off and turn it on again to keep them working for another 2-3 mins without flickering.
Could this have been done with a resistor instead? Pros/Cons with resistor vs capacitor?
Yes but a resistor will be wasting energy as heat! A capacitor is very efficient and does not generate heat when dropping voltage.
@@MyProjectBoxChannel
This is what my light / led driver says.
AL315 ALVIS
LED POWER SUPPLY Constant current
PRI 220-240V
0,5c 60 mA
0/50/60Hz
SEC 150mA 3-40V 6W
U-OUT=45V
tc 75°C
ta-10 - 50°C
What size of capacitor should I use to make it half as strong? 😎
@@partyoverallt some LED drivers will not work with a capacitor😩. But try 0.47uF and then go down in value if it works, to find the brightness you require.
Is this safe on the long run? I have similar LED filament bulbs from Globo and they're not dimmable. I would give this a try but I was wondering are there any hazards?
It's perfectly safe😉, as long as the capacitor used, is properly rated for mains voltage ⚡️. Like a x2 rated capacitor.
Could use this for led strip????
Only if its a direct 230Vac (or 110Vac) strip. It won't work with 12v or 24v and driver type😥
Hi, how what rating of capacitor do i need to dim a 36Watt bulb
How safe is a capacitor on a non dimmable bulb
These capacitor are Class X2 mains suppression safety capacitors, designed for direct connection across mains voltages. The voltage to the bulb is lowered with the help of this capacitor. It should not harm your bulbs.
Is there a possibility to make it fully dimmable to work with a dimmer? What dimmable bulb actually has that makes it dimmable?
Dimmable LED light bulbs have a very different driver circuit for the LEDs inside. And there are different types of dimmers that are more suited for led light bulbs. For example leading edge or trailing edge dimmers. It's not easy to make a non-dimmable bulbs work with traditional light dimmers. But my capacitor hack does sometimes work, to get a fixed brightness setting.
@@MyProjectBoxChannel let's say the bulb is 10 W and I want dimm it exactly to 75% 50%, 25% +-10%. Is using proper safety capacitor that precise or is it always an experiment?
@@jccuchvjvj it is possible to use a rotary selector switch to switch across multiple capacitors connected in series. That way you can get various degrees of useful dimming. It will unfortunately requiring some experimentation with the capacitors valves. Each LED bulb manufacturer uses different circuitry, so there's no universal calculation for the capacitors. Remember these types of LED bulbs weren't made for dimming in the first place.
Would this work using a 2 gang wifi switch?
I have done it with a sonoff dual-r3, so it should be possible. czcams.com/video/EUKop6N4cX0/video.html
I was more curious if it would somehow work on a actual 2 gang wifi switch i have no space to add anything else. I did realize with my led i have to turn it back on high before i turn it off. If i dont the light flickers from low to high then turning it on i blew the capicitor. But i have 5 so its ok but now i know 😂
to my project box : how about you put that capacitor in series with the output of a dimmer
I don't know if it's going to work, but you could always experiment. It also depends on the type of dimmer you use. You get leading edge (the old type) and trailing edge dimmers (new type for dimmable led bulbs)
I don't think that would work, LED bulbs can't be dimmed because they would shut down in case of voltage getting too low, usually about 200V. Capacitor in series won't keep it up.
@@plainedgedsaw1694 yes you are correct. LED bulbs and dimmer switches have had quite a rocky history. There are so called dimmable LED bulbs available. These Bulbs require a special trading edge dimmer. The problem is, there are different type of driver circuits for different LED bulbs. As luck would have it, the capacitive dropper just happens to work with a quite a few of them. It makes the bulb work on it's absolute lowest limits the driver would allow.
On camera is OK, but did you see any flickering with capacitor?
No flickering whatsoever with this particular bulb. Just like you see in the video. But you might have problems with certain types of LED bulb. It won't work with all of them. It all depends on the type of driver circuit it has inside.
Why won't dimming work if you have a PWM dimmer?
PWM (Pulse-width modulation) won't work. The internal led driver does not like it, and will probably damage it at a 230V pwm input. That technique is better suited for low voltage led driving, like 12v.
Is anyone working out a formula or list for what capacitor is required for differing wattage lamps or brightnesses
There is a formula to calculate the "AC resistance" (AC resistance is impedance for capacitors) of the capacitor for a given frequency ( say 50Hz). You could do very rough calculations for with current draw from the LED bulbs. Then work out the given wattage that a capacitor will give for a different LED bulbs. It won't be extremely accurate. But you can try and plot these values to a table. Different LED bulbs will give you different results.
the way, he bridged out in the first place... omg
I cannot recommend anybody bridge out live capacitors 🤣. But I held it on the insulated plastic handle. Trust me! I don't enjoy electric shocks. ☠️😉👍
@@MyProjectBoxChannel... try to push the responseability a bit. at least, you could ad a resistor to the capacitor unit, for the voltage to drop after switching off.
@@udufbxsixn adding I bleed resistor, to bleed any residual charge from the capacitor is good practice. However since you're not going to be touching any of the components, and when the switche is in the high position, it will bridge at the capacitor anyway. It just keeps things simpler.
@@MyProjectBoxChannel Well, in your schematic you put the capacitor before the power switch. So the capacitor will be charged if you have to open it for some reason.
And just wraping the wire around the leads doesn't help either. A blob of solder and shrink sleeve would also help.
@@Peter_A1466 I normally solder everything 😉😂, it's just that I'm on holiday and don't have access to my soldering iron 😔. I guess this is more for people who can't or don't like soldering. I'm keeping things really simple, so no bleeding resistor to drain the cap either.
Eastiest way to dim non dimmable LEDs, CFLs and HID lamps: Move them closer to or farther from a magnetron or a Tesla coil.
🤪🤣🤣🤣 more voltage = more good. More electromagnetic radiation = even better. More is always better.😉
Sketch a trace in a spot contunie blood in air inside strong pro
Simple solution. Very cool. Total noob here... is there a wattage limit on that capacitor? Lets say you need to dim more than one bulb, say in a fixture. DO you need to have a capacitor per bulb?
You can have just one capacitor dimming multiple led bulbs in one light fixture😉. Just remember that they need to all be exactly the same type and wattage. Your capacitor will also need to be a much bigger value, and that value will depend on the quantity and wattage of LED bulbs. How many bulbs are in your light fixture?
Thanks heaps for the reply :) I was planning on having 6 nos of 4W bulbs. So a total of 24 watts. We also use 240v AC off our grid. @@MyProjectBoxChannel