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Top Bulbs Compatible with Lutron Dimmer Switches for Smooth Dimming

Are you looking for bulbs to fit your Lutron dimmers? Here’s what you need to know.

All bulbs are not designed to work well with dimmer switches. Using the wrong type can result in

  • Dimming
  • Buzzing sounds
  • Flickering lights.

Choosing the right bulb is essential for a smooth and flicker-free performance. I will explain which types of bulbs are compatible with Lutron dimmer switches.

1. Dimmable LED Bulbs

LEDs are energy efficiency and has dimming properties compatible with the Lutron dimmer switch. Lutron dimmer switch models like

  • Lutron Caseta
  • Lutron Diva

can be used with dimmable LED bulbs.

Recommendations:

  • Philips Warm Glow LED bulbs: Smooth dimming and warm light at lower brightness levels.
  • Cree LED bulbs: Reliable performance with minimal flickering on Lutron dimmers.
  • GE Reveal LED bulbs: Compatible with Lutron dimmers and offers vibrant lighting.

2. Dimmable CFL Bulbs

CFL bulbs are energy-saving but not all bulbs are dimmable CFLs that work with Lutron dimmer switches. Non-dimmable CFLs will either not dim and cause flickering that leads to a poor lighting experience.

Recommendations:

  • Philips Dimmable CFL bulbs: Works perfectly with Lutron dimmers.
  • TCP CFL bulbs: Offers smooth dimming.

3. Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs work the best with almost all dimmer switch, including Lutron’s. Dimming is smooth from full brightness to a very low light, with no flickering or buzzing. If you are looking for a reliable dimming bulb without technical concerns, then incandescents are preferred.

Recommendations:

  • GE Soft White Incandescent bulbs: Works perfectly with Lutron dimmers.
  • Philips EcoVantage Incandescent bulbs: Dims smoothly without flicker.

4. Halogen Bulbs

Halogen bulbs are a subtype of incandescent bulbs and work seamlessly with Lutron dimmers. They offer a bright, crisp light and provide smooth dimming capabilities. Halogens also run hotter than LEDs or CFLs, so keep this in mind when choosing your lighting.

Recommendations:

  • Sylvania Halogen bulbs: These work well with Lutron dimmers, offering precise dimming.
  • Philips Halogen Energy Saver bulbs: Provides strong, consistent light and dims without flickering.

5. Smart Bulbs

Smart bulbs are controlled by apps or voice commands demolishing the need of a dimmer switch. Using smart switches like the Lutron Caseta system, will enhance the performance and offers great dimming in your smart lighting system.

Recommendations:

  • Philips Hue bulbs: Dimmed using the Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Bridge, without the need for a traditional dimmer switch.

Avoid using regular dimmers with smart bulbs, as they often don’t dim properly, and could cause flickering or buzzing.

Use smart switches or wireless dimmers designed for smart systems.

Important points to be noted:

  • Check for the “dimmable” label on the bulbs packaging.
  • Non-dimmable bulbs may cause flickering, buzzing, or may not dim at all.
  • Ensure the total wattage does not exceed the maximum load limit.
    i.e. 150 watts for LEDs
    150-watts for CFLs
    up to 600 watts for incandescents
    600 watts for halogen bulbs

Tips for Buying Lutron Compatible Bulbs

1. To avoid flickering while dimming, buy dimmable bulbs.

  • Look for: “Dimmable” label.
  • Avoid: Non-dimmable bulbs

2. Check your dimmer’s wattage limit.

  • Bulb’s total wattage must not exceed it.
  • If it exceeds, it leads to overheating.

3. Use Lutron’s compatibility tool to verify if the bulb will work with your dimmer.
Example: LED compatible tool

4. Consider the brightness and color temperature that best suits your room’s lighting needs.

Warm Lightliving rooms, bedrooms, and cozy spaces
Cool Lightkitchens, offices, and workspaces
Daylightareas requiring high visibility

5. Avoid using smart bulbs with traditional dimmers.

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