How many LED bulbs per dimmer

[kurtmccaslin]

I am looking to dim some ecosmart can lights (12w each) with a HAI UPB 600W dimmer.      The installation instructions for the dimmer show that they are compatible.   Question:  How many lights can I put on one dimmer?    A simple calculation says that I can put 50 lights on each dimmer, however, I seem to remember reading somewhere that you have to derate the dimmer for LED bulbs due to the high inductive surge at start-up.  Can anyone help with this?

 

[gatchel]

You are correct there is a limitation that is not wattage related. Usually its 5 or 6 depending on the dimmer manufacturer. I would look for documantation on the dimmer you want to use or get the needed information from the manufacturer before loading up a dimmer with too many LED fixtures.

 

[BLH]

Inrush and repetitive peek currents have to be taken into account.
I would also check the bulb manufacturers specifications and see what they say to use as a figure when calculating wattage.
One of mine says use 85 watts for my 12.5 watt bulb. When adding up the load on a dimmer.
I have seen other bulb manufacturers have a chart of how many bulbs for different brand and model dimmers they have tested.