NOON - Identifying Light Bulbs and Dimming Types (2024)

The NOON Lighting System is compatible with most residential light bulb types, including LED, incandescent, CFL, and fluorescent bulbs, as well as ELV and MLV low-voltage fixtures.

NOON - Identifying Light Bulbs and Dimming Types (1)

LED

How to identify

Most residential LED light bulbs have a typical light bulb shape but are usually made with a plastic shell instead of glass, with only a portion of the body being translucent. Look for an "LED" or "LED LAMP" marking on the bulb as well.

Dimming type

Most residential LED light bulbs are dimmable, but some are not. In addition, the amount they can dim, or “dimming range”, also varies based on the light bulb used. For the best experience, use a dimmable LED with the widest range, and while non-dimmable LED bulbs are supported, they aren’t recommended for the best-layered lighting experience.

Since dimmable LED bulbs have a variety of dimming ranges, NOON provides four dimming ranges for dimmable LEDs:

  • LED (narrow range)
  • LED (moderate range)
  • LED (typical range)
  • LED (wide range)

This can be changed in the NOON App and may help address any dimming or flickering issues you may experience. Seehow to modify light bulbs and dimming types in the NOON Appandtroubleshooting lights that flicker, are always on or are always off.

Warning: Incorrectly setting a bulb in the NOON App as dimmable, when it is not, can cause flickering or damage to the light bulb or your NOON products. To identify a non-dimmable LED light bulb, look for a label on the bulb stating the following:NOT FOR USE WITH DIMMERS.

NOON - Identifying Light Bulbs and Dimming Types (2)

Incandescent

How to identify

Incandescent bulbs have been the most common type of residential light bulb up until recently when more energy efficient bulbs like CFL or LEDs have gained in popularity. They typically are made with a glass shell that is either translucent or clear, where you can see the internal filament.

Dimming type

Incandescent bulbs have a very wide range of dimming. This allows for a great range when creating layered lighting, from very bright scenes to a nice glow when dimmed.

NOON - Identifying Light Bulbs and Dimming Types (3)

Halogen

How to identify

Halogen light bulbs typically look very similar to an incandescent bulb, with a similar shape and glass shell. Look for the "HALOGEN" marking on the bulb or packaging.

Dimming type

Halogen bulbs are very similar to incandescent bulbs, but slightly more energy efficient. Like incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs have the widest range of dimming and produce a nice glow when dimmed. They are also controlled with the same dimming type as incandescent bulbs in the NOON App.

NOON - Identifying Light Bulbs and Dimming Types (4)

CFL (Compact Fluorescent)

How to identify

CFL light bulbs fit in the same space as a typical residential light bulb, but usually have a spiral or U-shaped glass tube that is illuminated.

Dimming type

Most CFL bulbs are not dimmable, but of those that are, they generally have a narrower dimming range as compared to LED or incandescent bulbs. NOON provides two dimming ranges for those dimmable CFL light bulbs:

  • CFL (narrow range)
  • CFL (typical range)

This can be changed in the NOON App and may help address any dimming or flickering issues you may experience. SeeHow to modify light bulbs and dimming types in the NOON AppandTroubleshooting lights that flicker, are always on, or are always off.

Warning: Incorrectly setting a bulb in the NOON App as dimmable, when it is not, can cause flickering or damage to the light bulb or your NOON products. To identify a non-dimmable CFL light bulb, look for a label on the bulb stating the following:NOT FOR USE WITH DIMMERS.

Note: CFLs typically take time to “warm up” to their full brightness.

NOON - Identifying Light Bulbs and Dimming Types (5)

Fluorescent

How to identify

Fluorescent bulbs are long tubes sometimes seen in homes in spaces like garages or basem*nts.

Dimming type

They cannot be dimmed and therefore should be set as "Non-Dimmable" dimming type in the NOON App.

NOON - Identifying Light Bulbs and Dimming Types (6)

ELV and MLV Low Voltage Fixtures

How to identify

ELV and MLV low-voltage fixtures are typically identified by two-prong MR-16 light bulbs. It becomes challenging, however, to determine if the fixture is ELV or MLV. To determine if you have an ELV or MLV fixture, look at the transformer (sometimes installed in the light fixture, ceiling, or other location) or the instructions that came with the fixture. You may not be able to identify if the fixture is ELV or MLV just by looking at the light bulbs installed.

Dimming type

Both ELV and MLV fixtures are typically dimmable. NOON works with halogen-based MLV and ELV fixtures by providing dimming methods for these types of fixtures.

This dimming type can be changed in the NOON App and may help address any dimming or flickering issues you may experience. SeeHow to modify light bulbs and dimming types in the NOON AppandTroubleshooting lights that flicker, are always on, or are always off.

Warning: Incorrectly setting the dimming type to ELV or MLV when that is not the fixture in use can cause flickering, damage to the light bulb, or your NOON products.

For more info and troubleshooting

NOON - Identifying Light Bulbs and Dimming Types (2024)

FAQs

How do you identify different types of light bulbs? ›

The letter indicates the shape of the bulb and the number relates to the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch. The most commonly used household bulb is the A-19. The bulb is "A" type and the diameter would be 2 3/8" A 120BR40 is a 120-watt reflector 5" in diameter.

What kind of light bulbs are dimmable? ›

As a rule of thumb, nearly all incandescent light bulbs are compatible with dimmers. Incandescent light bulbs are the traditional ones where you can see the filament inside. The places where you might run into trouble are LED bulbs.

How do I know if my LED can lights are dimmable? ›

The only ways to tell if they are dimmable are to check the packaging, check the instruction leaflet or ask the manufacturer. If the lights being referred to are commercial light fittings with a separate driver, or a driver which is accessible inside the fixture, then you will need to check the writing on the driver.

How do I know if my bulbs are dimmable? ›

There is a dimmer symbol on dimmer switches which indicate which type of dimmer switch it is and which type of bulbs it is compatiable with, this is usually on packaging of bulbs. The letters mean the following: If you see an R on the dimmer switch, this is compatiable with incandescent bulbs and 230V halogen bulbs.

Is there an app to identify bulbs? ›

LightFinder is a new way to find and buy exactly the light bulb you need and have it delivered to your home. Scan your old bulb with the app and let our AI technology match it up with the right replacement.

How to identify bulbs? ›

Every type has unique characteristics represented by a letter, or series of letters, and a number, referred to as light bulb codes. These codes are located on the packaging and will help you determine if the bulb is the right type for your fixture.

What light bulbs are dimmer compatible? ›

Incandescent and halogen light bulbs work well with dimmer switches. However, due to many advances in lighting technology, CFLs and LEDs are catching up and doing a good job, the same as incandescent light bulbs do. When getting bulbs for dimming, be sure that it's compatible with your switches.

What happens if you use a non-dimmable LED bulb in a dimmable fixture? ›

Dimming LED lamps can save energy and changes the visual appearance and mood of your space. You can use a dimmable LED lamp in a non-dimmable circuit. You should NOT use a non-dimmable lamp in a dimmable circuit as it may cause damage to the lamp and or circuit.

What light bulbs Cannot be dimmed? ›

Most CFL bulbs are not dimmable, but of those that are, they generally have a narrower dimming range as compared to LED or incandescent bulbs. NOON provides two dimming ranges for those dimmable CFL light bulbs: CFL (narrow range) CFL (typical range)

Can all LED bulbs be dimmable? ›

No, not really. Most LED lights are dimmable, but some are not. That said, this should not pose a problem if you are looking for dimmable LEDs. Most times (if not always), the packaging clearly indicates whether the LED bulb in question is dimmable or not.

What happens if you put a 60W LED bulb in a 40W socket? ›

Therefore, as long as the LED lamp's actual wattage and heat released is less than the socket or fixture rating, you should not encounter any issues. LED lamps do get warm, but they only emit a fraction (~15%) of the heat that an incandescent bulb emits.

What happens if you use the wrong dimmer with LED lights? ›

Not all dimmers are compatible with LED lights, and using an incompatible one could cause flickering, reduced lifespan of your LEDs, or they might not even dim properly at all.

What is the symbol for non-dimmable bulbs? ›

LED lightbulb packaging will state if the product is dimmable or not. If the symbol shows a cross through the image of the dimmer it is non dimmable.

What kind of dimmer is needed for LED lights? ›

There are two types of dimmer switch for mains dimming in your home; leading edge and trailing edge. Trailing edge switches work best with LEDs. If your dimmer switch is old it's likely a leading edge switch and worth changing to a trailing edge version.

Can you put a dimmer on any light? ›

Can I install a dimmer switch for any type of light? You will need to check what kind of light is connected to the existing on/off switch. So long as the bulb is dimmable, it should be compatible with a dimmer switch. A dimmer switch can be installed anywhere that an existing on/off switch is already installed.

How do I know what my light bulb is? ›

All light bulbs have a code to identify their type of fitting. The letters tend to stand for the name of the fitting and the numbers are the diameter of the fitting in millimetres. For example, an E27 is an Edison Screw bulb with a diameter of 27 millimetres.

How to tell if a light bulb is LED or incandescent? ›

Most residential LED light bulbs have a typical light bulb shape but are usually made with a plastic shell instead of glass, with only a portion of the body being translucent. Look for an "LED" or "LED LAMP" marking on the bulb as well.

What are the four main types of light bulbs? ›

There are four popular types of light bulbs: incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL), halogen, and light-emitting diode (LED). Light-Emitting Diode (LED): One of the most energy-efficient light bulb types, it gives off no heat, contains no mercury, and emits a bright light.

How can you tell if a bulb is halogen or LED? ›

If you are lucky the bulb will say halogen or LED, but this is not a legal requirement, just good practice. If it does not, it must display the power in the form of wattage. Generally anything over 10W will most likely be halogen (25W, 50W etc) and anything under 10W would be LED.

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