HS-WX300 LED Bulb Considerations
Information about choosing and using LED bulbs with the WX300 smart dimmer
Overview
Unlike older incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs include very complex electronic circuits which control dimming performance. Because of this, dimming performance can very quite a bit from brand to brand and model to model. In this guide, we discuss some of the issues to be aware of and offer some suggestions for how to get the best dimming performance out of your WX300 smart dimmer.
Initial Setup
By default, WX300 is configured to function as a dimmer in a 3-wire circuit (with a neutral). If you have a neutral, be sure to use it when you wire the switch. If you don't have a neutral, you'll need to change the switch to 2-wire mode after it's powered on. Refer to the HS-WX300 R2 User Guide for instructions on how to do this. Failure to change the wire mode will not harm the switch, but the dimming may not be as smooth as it should be and the attached bulb(s) may flicker quite a bit.
Choosing LED Bulbs
As mentioned above, dimming performance can vary widely depending on which LED bulb you use. If you already have LED bulbs, start by trying them first. If dimming is smooth, flicker free and the dimming range is acceptable, then use what you have. However, if the dimming performance is not satisfactory, consider trying other bulbs. Manufacturers are constantly updating their designs and LED technology is improving all the time.
WX300 is compatible with a wide variety of bulbs from different manufacturers. These tables include only bulbs that were purchased in 2023 and have been tested by HomeSeer,
Standard LED Bulbs
| Brand | Model | Description | 2-Wire Min Requirement* | Comments | Availability | Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecosmart | B7A19A60WESD02 | Bright White 40 watt equivalent | 1 Bulb | Full range dimming - 3-wire mode Restricted range dimming - 2-wire mode | Home Depot | 3/31/23 |
| Ecosmart | 11A19060WESD041 | Soft White 60 watt equivalent | 1 Bulb | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Home Depot | 3/31/23 |
| Ecosmart | 11A19040WESD001 | Soft White 40 watt equivalent | 1 Bulb | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Home Depot | 3/31/23 |
| Ecosmart | 11A19060WESD043 | Daylight White 60 watt equivalent | 1 Bulb | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Home Depot | 3/31/23 |
| GE | 44858 - RELAX Series | Warm White 40 watt equivalent | 1 Bulb | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Lowes | 3/31/23 |
| GE | 44929 - RELAX Series | Warm White 60 watt equivalent | 1 Bulb | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Lowes | 3/31/23 |
| GE | 44931 - REFRESH Series | Daylight White 60 watt equivalent | 2 Bulbs | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Lowes | 3/31/23 |
| GE | 44943 - REVEAL Series | Color Enhancing 60 watt equivalent | 2 Bulbs | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Lowes | 3/31/23 |
Floodlight LED Bulbs
| Brand | Model | Description | 2-Wire Min Requirement* | Comments | Local Availability | Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecosmart | BR40-1D 12W E26 120V 2700K | Soft White 75 watt equivalent | 1 Bulb | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Home Depot | 3/31/23 |
| GE | 41382 - RELAX Series (BR30) | Warm White 65 watt equivalent | 1 Bulb | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Lowes | 3/31/23 |
| GE | 41409 - REFRESH Series (BR30) | Daylight White 65 watt equivalent | 2 Bulbs | Full range dimming - both wire modes | Lowes | 3/31/23 |
*Represents the minimum number of bulbs that would need to be installed on any circuit controlled by a WX300 that's wired without a neutral. There is no minimum bulb requirement in 3-wire circuits where a WX300 is wired with a neutral.
Minimum Dim Level Setting
WX300 is set to the minimum dim level value* as shipped or when you change wire mode. However, some bulbs may turn off at higher dim values. If this happens, try raising you may raise the minimum dim level with a Z-Wave command. If you're using a HomeSeer hub, you can do this from the Z-Wave settings page of your WX300 switch. If you using a different hub, you'll need to set Z-Wave parameter 5 to the appropriate value. Refer to the HS-WX300 R2 User Guide for more information about Z-Wave parameters.
* Minimum dim level value is 16% (for 3-wire mode) or 25% (for 2-wire mode)
The minimum dim level is NOT an absolute value. It's a relative designation and the actual light output for any given value can vary dramatically from bulb to bulb. Use it only as a reference point when changing and testing values.
Fighting Flicker
LED bulbs can flicker for a variety of reasons but usually this happens when appliances or larger loads cycle in your home. This is normal. However, if you notice bulbs are flickering more frequently or you experience this when you change the dim level, this may be due to an incompatibility or other issue between WX300 and the bulb. If this happens, here are some things to try to resolve the problem.
- Change your WX300 wire mode to the 2-wire setting. If the switch is wired without a neutral, this will absolutely improve performance in every case. However, we have also seen improvements with this setting for switches wired with a neutral.
- Change to a different bulb. As mentioned above, performance can vary pretty widely from brand to brand and even model to model. If changing the wire mode doesn't help, this step typically will.
If WX300 is installed without a neutral, you may need to Install a load resistor at the light fixture. This fix is a bit more advanced as some wiring is required.
If you're not comfortable doing high voltage wiring, consult with an electrician. Be safe!
