Identifying Light Bulbs and Dimming Types
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.
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. See how to modify light bulbs and dimming types in the NOON App and troubleshooting 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.
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.
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.
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. See How to modify light bulbs and dimming types in the NOON App and Troubleshooting 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.
Fluorescent
How to identify
Fluorescent bulbs are long tubes sometimes seen in homes in spaces like garages or basements.
Dimming type
They cannot be dimmed and therefore should be set as "Non-Dimmable" dimming type in the NOON App.
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. See How to modify light bulbs and dimming types in the NOON App and Troubleshooting 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.
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