Please help me dim or change out this strange LED light

3 years ago

Hi everyone, I bought some dimmer switches (these ones - https://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/StandAloneControls/Dimmers-Switches/DivaDimmerSwitch/Overview.aspx) for my kitchen and bathroom overheads which were newly installed, but the LEDs just flash or blink rapidly once the dimmers are connected. I was able to switch back to non-dimmable switches but the lights as they are now are just terrible, way too bright and color temp around 4000K.

It was actually some contractors from the city (New York) who installed them, I believe as part of an efficiency initiative, so I am not able to contact them or get them back over here myself or through my landlord. The landlord in general is not helpful here since these are rent-stabilized apartments so they always do the minimum and had no part in these new lights anyway; instead, we have an agreement that lets me do whatever renovations I want. Here are some pictures of the fixture: https://ibb.co/album/f93fZV

So far, I was able to find Nextech but they seem to be involved with just the electrical components and the driver, not the LEDs themselves. Lutron was not able to help with finding compatible dimmers. The LED board or whatever it is called does not seem to have much branding or documentation, I wasn't able to find their website or much information about what this thing even is. I did read online somewhere that these types of lights (Luminaires?) sometimes have a switch that can change the color temperature directly and you may notice from the pictures that it does list some temps and the 4000k box is checked. So my questions are:

Can you help me find the switch or setting on this LED board itself that can reduce the color temperature?

If that is not possible, can you help me find compatible dimmer switches to buy? I do prefer the style and aesthetic I linked above.

If that is not possible, I will probably just replace the whole fixture, so do you have any recommendations that are compatible with the switches I already bought? That dimmability, as well as having easily replaceable bulbs would be my preference. I don't really like that this board has a separate driver box and looks like it would be hard to fix or replace. I have nothing against LEDs, I just prefer screw in bulbs or similar.

Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

Krista Deng

3 years ago

Hello! I'll do my best to help you out.

Unfortunately, I don't see any switch or setting on the LED board that would allow you to adjust the color temperature. It seems that the color temperature is fixed at 4000K.

As for finding compatible dimmer switches, it can be tricky because not all LED fixtures are compatible with all dimmer switches. One thing you can try is to look for LED-compatible dimmer switches that are listed as compatible with a wide range of LED fixtures, rather than specifically for your fixture. You can also try contacting the manufacturer of your fixture to see if they have any recommendations for compatible dimmer switches.

If you decide to replace the fixture, there are many LED fixtures available that are compatible with dimmer switches. Look for fixtures that specifically mention compatibility with dimmer switches, and make sure to choose one that has a replaceable LED bulb if that's what you prefer.

As for my recommendation, I would suggest looking into wireless LED smart bulbs. These bulbs are easy to replace and can be controlled with a smartphone or voice assistant. There are many options available, and they often have customizable color temperatures so you can choose the one that's right for you. Plus, with a smart bulb, you can easily adjust the brightness and color temperature to your liking without needing a dimmer switch.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.

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Comments (7)

wdccruise
3 years ago
The problem is that the Nextech U-23700 is NOT a dimmable LED driver. The Nextech U-23700D1 is dimmable. Changing the dimmer won't fix anything. You didn't post a picture of the fixture or even describe it so you won't get help in finding a replacement.
Kevin Gable
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you, some people on other forums recommended replacing the entire thing as it is a very cheap fixture so I'm working on that now. For the most part the newer and nicer ones all seem to be integrated LEDs, not bulbs, which makes it hard to check against Lutron's compatibility list. The dimmers I have are the 153p's, and I noticed they have a different version for <10 v fixtures so as long as it is more than that and 1800lighting or whatever says it is a dimmable LED should I be OK? Sorry, I am not a pro at this and my electrician hasn't been very helpful.
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HU-867564120
3 years ago
Caution: The Nextech U-23700D1 fixture dims via a 0-10V external signal supplied from the dimmer to the fixture by 2 low voltage wires WHICH YOU PROBABLY DON'T HAVE IN PLACE! I suggest you stay with 120v dimmable fixtures that work with a more conventional 120v dimmer.
Kevin Gable thanked HU-867564120
wdccruise
3 years ago
@HU-867564120: "I suggest you stay with 120v dimmable fixtures that work with a more conventional 120v dimmer."

Yup. If the fixture states the type of dimmer required, it will say "triac". Those fixtures and bulbs will work with your Lutron Diva dimmer. Again you didn't post a picture of the fixture or even describe it so you won't get help in finding a similar replacement.
Kevin Gable thanked wdccruise
wdccruise
3 years ago
@Krista Deng: "As for finding compatible dimmer switches, it can be tricky because not all LED fixtures are compatible with all dimmer switches."

He already has dimmer switches and Lutron LED+ dimmer switches are, in my experience, the most compatible one can find.
Kevin Gable
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks everyone for your helpful comments, I did end up getting new fixtures for all the lights I intend to dim. Although it seemed like everything is integrated LEDs these days and not bulbs I was able to confirm they were compatible with my switches based on your advice.