Dimmer Switch Installation & Repair in Los Angeles
Buzzing lights, random flicker, or a dimmer that won’t go low enough usually means the control doesn’t match the LED driver—not that the wiring is cursed. On this page, you’ll see how dimmer switch installation works, what we do on same-day dimmer switch repair Los Angeles, straight-talk Dimmer switch installation Los Angeles cost ranges, and why LED-specific controls (especially trailing-edge/ELV) fix the problem for good. We’ll give you a quick test checklist, our step-by-step method, and a real LA case study—plus upgrade ideas for scenes, smart controls, and future remodels. Need help fast? Book Farashi Electric, your local Los Angeles electrician for electrical troubleshooting and repairs, outdoor lighting installation, electrical outlet wiring in Los Angeles.
Why are my LEDs flickering with this new dimmer?
Because LEDs aren’t tiny incandescents. Most old-school (leading-edge/Triac) dimmers “chop” the power in a way many LED drivers don’t like. That’s why you see shimmer, stair-step dimming, or lights that just drop off at low levels. The fix? Pair the lamp with a compatible, LED-rated dimmer—often trailing-edge/ELV or phase-selectable—and set the low-trim correctly. In plain English: match the brains, then tune the bottom end.
Services at a glance
- Light dimmer switch installations and repair in Los Angeles — single-pole, 3-way/4-way, multi-location, or smart Wi-Fi.
- LED dimmer switch installation Los Angeles — ELV or phase-selectable controls that play nice with modern drivers.
- Flicker & buzz troubleshooting — minimum load issues, driver mismatch, missing neutrals, shared neutrals, back-stabbed devices.
- Smart upgrades — neutral-required dimmers, 0–10V where it makes sense, simple scene control for everyday life.
- Safety & compliance — clean terminations, proper AFCI/GFCI where required, labeled and inspector-friendly work.
Want Dimmer Switch Installation and Repair Services that still work after your next bulb change? We spec from the lamp up—never the other way around.
Quiet, flicker-free dimmer install—ready today?
LED-rated dimmers, clean wiring, and proper low-trim setup by Farashi Electric. One visit, inspector-ready, Los Angeles-wide.
Get My Dimmer Install/Repair EstimateThe 5 causes of bad dimming (and how we fix them)
- Wrong dimmer type
Many LEDs prefer trailing-edge (ELV) or phase-selectable dimmers for a smooth, quiet low end. We match your driver to a listed, compatible control using manufacturer guides. - No neutral at the switch
Most smart/connected dimmers need a neutral in the box. We check for it, explain options, and give you a clean path forward. - Minimum load not met
Tiny LED loads can fall below a dimmer’s threshold, causing flash-off or shimmer. We set low-trim correctly or add a listed load where appropriate. - Mixed lamps or drivers
Mixing brands or driver types on one dimmer invites flicker. We standardize lamps or split zones by driver family. - Loose or back-stabbed connections
Wobbly terminations create heat and intermittent behavior. We re-terminate and torque-verify so everything runs cool and quiet.
What dimming really saves (and what it doesn’t)
- Incandescent/halogen: Dim 25%, save roughly 20% on energy and extend lamp life. Even small reductions add up.
- LED: Savings depend on pairing. With a compatible driver and a proper LED-rated dimmer, you reduce power while keeping stable, clean light.
Dimmer switch installation Los Angeles cost
Every home is a bit different, but here’s what we see most often in LA:
- Standard LED-rated dimmer (box/wiring OK): $130–$250 per location (labor + typical materials)
- Smart Wi-Fi dimmer (neutral present): $200–$350 depending on model and programming
- New 3-way or box/depth fixes: may increase scope; some “light switch” installs land around $241–$437 when box/wiring adjustments are needed
We confirm exact pricing after a quick photo triage so you’re never guessing.
Our step-by-step method
- Phone triage & photos — Fixture and bulb model, the look you want (scenes, night levels), and a quick peek at box depth/neutral.
- Spec & plan — Choose a compatible, LED-listed dimmer, set target low-trim, and map any 3-way locations.
- Install — De-energize, verify polarity/grounding, correct any back-stabs, and use depth spacers so plates sit flush.
- Program & trim — Dial the low/high ends, set a favorite level, and enable child-lock or fade-rates if available.
- Test & document — We show you the range, note bulb part numbers, and flag any aging circuits for future rewiring services Los Angeles or panel work.
Case study — “Gallery mode” in a Hancock Park bungalow
Problem: Eight LED cans on two legacy dimmers: shimmer below 40%, audible buzz at dinner time.
What we found: Mixed LED drivers, leading-edge dimmers, no low-trim set.
Fix: Standardized the lamps to one driver family, installed ELV/phase-selectable dimmers, set low-trim around 10%, documented the exact lamp model.
Result: Silent, flicker-free control from 5% to 100%. The owner calls the 30% scene “gallery mode”—warm, quiet light that makes art pop and food look amazing. And yes, we labeled the panel so the next change is painless.
Repair or replace? Here’s the line
- Repair the circuit when the dimmer is fine but terminations are weak or the box is cramped—we re-terminate and space it correctly.
- Replace the dimmer if it’s not LED-rated, it’s undersized, or it can’t support the smart features you want.
- Re-lamp or split the zone if mixed drivers are the culprit—perfect dimming starts with consistent lamps.
Featured examples from our electrical projects
Bahram Farashi
C-10 Licensed Electrician (CA Lic. #1102687) — 10+ years installing residential/commercial Electrical Services.
FAQ — quick answers
Usually a dimmer/driver mismatch or a missing neutral for a smart dimmer. We spec a compatible control and set low-trim to stabilize the bottom end.
Most do. Many newer homes have neutrals in the box; older ones may need a clean workaround. We check first.
Yes for incandescent/halogen. With LEDs, savings depend on pairing—but with the right combo, you’ll cut power and extend driver life.
Absolutely. We use listed companion dimmers or smart remotes so you don’t get pop-on or weird fade steps.
Some drivers stay noisy on leading-edge controls. Switching to trailing-edge/ELV or standardizing lamps usually solves it.
Yes. We tune sales floors and dining rooms after hours and coordinate with POS/AV—see Commercial Electrician Los Angeles.
