Skip to content
  1. Home

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions customers ask us most, from choosing and fitting a dimmer to curing flicker. Search, or browse by product or topic.

Showing 25 questions about V-Pro Smart Show all questions

Choosing a dimmer

Which dimmer suits your lights, how much lighting it can take, and dimming from more than one switch.

Which dimmer do I need for my LED bulbs?

For dimmable LED lighting choose a V-Pro dimmer: our flagship range, designed for modern LED lighting, with push on/off switching and rotary dimming. The V-Pro family also includes:

  • V-Pro Multiway: a dimming knob at 2 or 3 switch positions;
  • V-Pro Smart: control from your phone, Alexa or Google Home;
  • V-Pro Multi-Point: tactile touch at any number of switch positions, with infrared remote control at the master;
  • V-Pro Micro: hidden behind retractive (push) switches.

If your LED lights or driver need leading-edge (triac) control, or you have more than 300W of LED on one dimmer, choose V-Com.

Always choose lamps that are described as dimmable. Not sure? Answer a few questions in our dimmer chooser.

Copy link and share

How many lamps can my dimmer control?

Add up the wattage of all the lamps the dimmer controls: the number of lamps times the watts printed on each. The total must not be more than the maximum load per gang on the dimmer's label and data sheet. For example, 8 LED downlights of 5W each add up to 40W.

DimmerLoad per dimmer (gang)
V-Pro0-120W or 0-300W, no minimum load
V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Smart120W, no minimum load
V-Pro Multi-Point100W (1 to 10 dimmable LED lamps), no minimum load
V-Pro Micro160W of dimmable LED
V-Com0-100W, 15-180W, 15-220W, 20-400W or 40-600W (the first figure is the minimum)
V-Dim (halogen)Up to 1000W, depending on model; at least 100W recommended: see the V-Dim guide

PowerGrid grid dimmers also have a maximum per plate: single plate (1 to 2 gang) 400W, twin (3 to 4 gang) 800W, double twin (6 to 8 gang) 1200W, triple twin (9 to 12 gang) 1800W, and no more than 800W per row.

With low voltage lighting, add up the VA ratings of the transformers, not the wattage of the bulbs: see transformers and dimmer load. For lamp-by-lamp advice see our compatibility guides.

Copy link and share

Is there a minimum load? Can I dim just one LED lamp?

V-Pro, V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Smart and V-Pro Multi-Point dimmers have no minimum load, so they can dim a single LED lamp.

Most V-Com and V-Dim dimmers have a minimum: it is the first figure of the rating on the label, for example 20-400W. The 0-100W V-Com has none, and V-Dim dimmers work best with at least 100W. Below the minimum the lights may flicker: see flicker caused by too little load.

Copy link and share

Can I dim the same lights from more than one switch?

Yes. Choose by how you want to dim:

  • A dimming knob at every switch (2 or 3 positions): one V-Pro Multiway dimmer with one or two companion controllers. 2-way and 3-way kits are available (MJKIT2W, MJKIT3W).
  • Phone or voice, plus knobs at up to 3 positions: one V-Pro Smart dimmer with one or two V-Pro Multiway companion controllers.
  • Touch at any number of positions: one V-Pro Multi-Point master dimmer with as many supplementary controllers as you need, up to 50m of cable. Infrared remote control works at the master only.
  • Push (retractive) switches at any number of positions: a V-Pro Micro in-line dimmer pack.

Ordinary switches can't be used as the other positions with these systems: V-Pro Multiway and V-Pro Smart need companion controllers, and V-Pro Multi-Point needs Multi-Point supplementary controllers. If dimming from one switch is enough, a V-Pro dimmer works with an ordinary 2-way switch.

Copy link and share

Will my LED lamps work with your dimmers?

Our dimmers are designed for wide compatibility and are tested with many lamp types, including Megaman and Philips, which have performed well in testing. However, due to constant changes in LED technology and driver designs, we cannot guarantee compatibility with all lamps.

Before purchasing, please check our compatibility guide and the dimmer selection guide to make sure the lighting load you have is compatible with the dimmer you have chosen.

Copy link and share

Can I use a remote control with your dimmers?

Infrared remote control is available on the V-Pro Multi-Point Remote master dimmer (the master only, not the supplementary controllers). IR remotes such as the YRC8 can be used within 10 metres line of sight. The dimmer is preset to buttons 1 and 8 on the VARILIGHT YRC8 handset, and can learn a spare button on most infrared remote controls: see pairing a remote.

For smart control, we recommend the V-Pro Smart range, which works through an app and by voice.

Copy link and share

What can a V-Pro Smart dimmer do?

All the versatility of V-Pro LED dimming with smart features added:

  • dim your lights with your phone, Alexa or Google Home, at home or away, using the free Supla app;
  • scheduling, group control and scene setting;
  • control from up to 3 positions with companion controllers;
  • no hub and no neutral required: it replaces your existing switch or dimmer.

See the V-Pro Smart page and the V-Pro Smart dimming features (PDF). V-Pro Smart Wi-Fi sockets are also available.

Copy link and share

What lights can a V-Pro Smart dimmer control?

The V-Pro Smart dimmer controls up to 120W of dimmable LED lighting, with no minimum load. It is also suitable for quality dimmable electronic low voltage transformers.

It is not suitable for non-dimmable LED, fluorescent lamps or tubes, wire-wound or toroidal transformers, electric motors (e.g. fans) or triac dimmable drivers (use V-Com dimmers instead).

Copy link and share

How do I work out the dimmer load when there are transformers in the circuit?

Add up the VA ratings of the transformers, not the wattage of the bulbs. Choose transformers with a rating close to their lamp load, e.g. a 50VA, 60VA or 70VA transformer for a 50W low voltage bulb.

  • VARILIGHT transformers: any number, as long as you keep within the maximum rating of the dimmer. For YT40DC12 and YT40DC24 LED drivers, never more than 250W per dimmer circuit.
  • Other brands: use only fully dimmable electronic transformers, and no more than 5 per dimmer circuit.
  • V-Plus dimmers (recommended for halogen on VARILIGHT transformers): load to 75% of the dimmer's maximum.
  • Transformer specifies triac dimming: use a V-Com dimmer.

Wire-wound or toroidal transformers are not suitable for V-Pro, V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Smart or V-Dim dimmers. If your transformer does not say that it is dimmable it is unlikely to work with any dimmer.

Copy link and share

Setting up and programming

Dimming modes, minimum and maximum brightness, resets, and pairing supplementary controllers, remotes and the app.

V-Pro and V-Com rotary dimmers

I've changed the bulbs on my dimmer: do I need to do anything?

Yes. Always turn off the mains power before replacing bulbs controlled by a dimmer. If you have changed the type of bulb, reset the dimmer to its factory settings: V-Pro and V-Com, V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Smart, or any range in set up your dimmer.

Copy link and share

Some LEDs won't come on at low brightness: what is Drive (Boost)?

Drive gives LEDs that won't switch on at low brightness a short boost at start-up. On V-Pro and V-Com dimmers:

  1. Set the knob to minimum.
  2. Switch the lights on and off once per second.
  3. Set the knob to maximum, and switch on and off again.
  4. Set the knob to minimum and switch the lights on.
  5. In configuration mode, turn the knob up until the lamps switch on.
  6. Leave it for 5 seconds to save.

To turn Drive off, repeat the steps but skip step 5. The same feature is called Boost on V-Pro Multiway, in the V-Pro Smart app and on the V-Pro Micro, where it is set from the switch: see set up your dimmer.

Copy link and share

V-Pro Smart Wi-Fi dimmers

How do I connect a V-Pro Smart dimmer to the Supla app?

Before you start, download the free Supla app and create an account.

  1. Fit the dimmer, restore the power and check the knob dims the lights.
  2. Hold the dimmer knob down for 5 seconds to enter pairing mode: the blue indicator light flashes quickly.
  3. In the Supla app, tap the 3-bar menu, choose "Add I/O Device" and follow the instructions on screen. You choose your Wi-Fi network and set a password for the dimmer.
  4. When the dimmer is connected, the blue light goes off (you can turn it on in the dimmer's settings). If it flashes slowly, the Wi-Fi connection has been lost.
  5. Test the dimmer at the faceplate and in the app.

Watch the set-up videos for Android and Apple devices, or see the V-Pro Smart instructions (PDF). For help with the Supla app or creating an account, please contact Supla: Supla FAQs, Supla forum.

Copy link and share

How do I connect a V-Pro Smart dimmer to Alexa or Google Home?

The V-Pro Smart dimmer works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Pair it with the Supla app first.

Google Home: open the Google Home app and its settings, open "Works with Google", search for Supla and choose SUPLA.ORG. Sign in to the Supla website: your account is linked automatically. Choose the device and set it up.

Amazon Alexa: open the Alexa app and tap More, tap the search icon (top right) and "Skills & Games", search for Supla, choose SUPLA and enable the skill. Sign in to the Supla website and grant access to link your account, then tap "Discover Devices" so Alexa finds your dimmer.

Copy link and share

How do I change settings on a V-Pro Smart dimmer, or reset it?

In the Supla app: select the dimmer and tap the cog at the top right. From there you can perform a factory reset, switch between driving modes 1, 2 and 3, turn Boost on or off (for lights that don't come on at minimum brightness), set the minimum and maximum of the operating range with the dark grey squares on the wheel, and set how the status light behaves.

Reset without the app: leave the dimmer untouched, out of pairing mode, for at least 5 seconds first (if the light is flashing quickly it is in pairing mode: press the knob briefly, then wait 5 seconds).

  1. Press and hold the knob for more than 5 seconds: the dimmer enters pairing mode.
  2. Release, then within 3 seconds press again and keep holding.
  3. At about 5 seconds the lamps step up and down once. Release here to erase the stored Wi-Fi network and device password (credentials reset).
  4. Or keep holding: at about 10 seconds the lamps step up and down again. Release here to reset all the dimming settings (mode, Boost, operating range and status light), keeping your Wi-Fi details.

Every V-Pro Smart setting, step by step: set up your dimmer.

Copy link and share

Is the V-Pro Smart Wi-Fi connection secure?

Yes. The dimmer uses secure WPA2/WPA3 networks. We recommend setting strong passwords for your home Wi-Fi and your Supla account.

Copy link and share

What happens to my V-Pro Smart dimmer if the internet goes down?

Local rotary control still works. Remote control and voice features will be unavailable until the internet is restored. See also my V-Pro Smart dimmer has gone offline.

Copy link and share

Fitting and wiring

Wiring 2-way and multi-way circuits, wall box depths and where to find the instructions. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

Dimmers

How do I wire V-Pro Multiway companion controllers?
  • Use one V-Pro Multiway dimmer (or one V-Pro Smart dimmer) with up to two V-Pro Multiway companion controllers, for rotary dimming at each position.
  • The companion controllers replace the other switches. Link them to the dimmer at the S and Live terminals; their third terminal takes the neutral or, where there is no neutral, a link to the dimmer's load terminal.
  • Never connect neutral to the main dimmer.
  • Standard or retractive switches are not compatible: only use V-Pro Multiway companion controllers.
  • The total cable length from the dimmer to the furthest companion controller must not exceed 50m.

The V-Pro Multiway instructions (PDF) have 1-way, 2-way and 3-way diagrams, and the companion controller instructions (PDF) show the wiring with and without a neutral.

Copy link and share

Can I use a V-Pro Smart dimmer on a 2-way or 3-way circuit?

Yes. Use one V-Pro Smart dimmer with up to two V-Pro Multiway companion controllers (for example JQS1W, or the MJS module). The companion controllers are not Wi-Fi themselves: they give push on/off and rotary dimming at the other switches, and the app controls the whole circuit.

Standard or retractive switches are not compatible: only use V-Pro Multiway companion controllers. The total cable length from the dimmer to the furthest companion controller must not exceed 50m. The diagrams are in the V-Pro Smart instructions (PDF).

Copy link and share

Do I need a neutral wire?
  • V-Pro Smart and V-Pro Multiway dimmers: no. They install in place of a standard switch, and neutral must never be connected to the dimmer itself.
  • V-Pro and V-Com rotary dimmers: no. They connect to the switch wires only (terminals C, L1 and L2).
  • V-Pro Multiway companion controllers: they can be wired with or without a neutral (see the companion controller instructions, PDF).
  • V-Pro Micro: no neutral is needed at the switch. Follow the leaflet: it warns not to connect the neutral to the main dimmer unit.

Copy link and share

Guarantee and older products

The lifetime guarantee, how to claim, and help for products we no longer make.

Where do I find the batch number or software version?

The batch number is printed on the plastic moulding at the back of the dimmer module: on the side or the bottom, depending on the model. The leaflet has a space to record it, and it helps us give you the right technical support. Where it applies, the software version is on the side of the dimmer module: use it to choose the right instruction leaflet.

Copy link and share

Troubleshooting

Dimmers that have stopped working, flicker, buzz or glow, and other problems with installed products.

Not working, or switching off

My dimmer has stopped working: what should I do?

Many faults can be cleared without replacing anything. Switch off at the mains before touching any wiring and, if in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

  1. Reset the power. Switch the lighting circuit off at the circuit breaker, then back on after a few seconds. An overloaded dimmer switches itself off to protect itself, and touch and remote dimmers can often be reset this way.
  2. Check the load. Add up the wattage of all the lamps on the dimmer (for low voltage lighting, the VA ratings of the transformers). It must not be more than the maximum per gang on the dimmer's label. See how many lamps a dimmer can take.
  3. Changed the bulbs? If you have changed the type of lamp, reset the dimmer to its factory settings: V-Pro and V-Com, V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Smart, or V-Pro Micro in set up your dimmer.
  4. New installation? Check the wiring against the diagram in the instruction leaflet. A touch or remote dimmer must have a true live connected to its "Live" terminal: it must not be switching neutral.
  5. Lights come on but won't dim? See my dimmer won't dim the lights.

If it still doesn't work, the dimmer may be faulty. It is covered by our lifetime guarantee: see how to make a claim. It helps to have the product code, the batch number (printed on the plastic moulding at the back of the dimmer) and the type and wattage of your lamps to hand.

Copy link and share

Flickering, buzzing and glowing

My LED lights flicker: how do I stop it?

Most flicker can be cured with the dimmer's own settings. On V-Pro and V-Com dimmers:

  • Flicker at low brightness: raise the minimum brightness.
  • Flicker at high brightness: lower the maximum brightness.
  • Flashing at any level: change the dimming mode. Mode 1 suits most LEDs; some perform better in Mode 2 or, in some cases, Mode 3.

Also check that:

  • the lamps are described as dimmable, and are all of the same type: our dimmers are not designed for mixed lighting types on one circuit;
  • on a 2-way circuit, only one of the switches has been replaced with a dimmer, to avoid flicker;
  • if your dimmer has a minimum load (the first figure of the rating on most V-Com and V-Dim dimmers), the lamps add up to more than it: see flicker caused by too little load.

V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Multiway and V-Pro Smart dimmers have the same kind of settings: see setting up and programming.

Copy link and share

My lights won't dim low enough, or go off at the lowest setting
  • Too bright at the lowest setting: reduce the dimmer's minimum brightness.
  • Off or flickering at the lowest setting: raise the minimum brightness. If some LEDs won't switch on at low brightness, turn on Drive (Boost), which gives them a short boost at start-up.

When the dimmer is installed, all the lamps must stay visibly on at the lowest brightness setting (UK EcoDesign Regulation 1194/2012). How low a lamp will dim varies according to the brand and type of LED: see our compatibility guide.

The same settings on other dimmers: V-Pro Multiway, V-Pro Multi-Point, V-Pro Smart (in the app). V-Pro Micro is set from the switch: see set up your dimmer.

Copy link and share

My LED lamps start slowly or take time to reach full brightness

The V-Pro soft-start function gradually increases power over approximately 1 second to protect against inrush current and improve lamp life. LED drivers vary widely in design, so some may start differently or take longer to reach full brightness.

Changing the driving mode on the dimmer may improve this behaviour, although results cannot be guaranteed due to lamp variability.

Copy link and share

Touch, remote and Wi-Fi controls

My V-Pro Smart dimmer has gone offline, or its blue light is flashing
  • Blue light flashing quickly: the dimmer is in pairing mode. Pair it in the Supla app, or press the knob briefly to return to normal operation.
  • Blue light flashing slowly: the dimmer has lost its Wi-Fi connection.

If you have changed your Wi-Fi network or password, erase the stored network (a "credentials reset", see reset without the app) and pair the dimmer again.

The knob on the dimmer still works while it is offline. For help with the Supla app or your Supla account, please contact Supla: Supla FAQs and Supla forum.

Copy link and share

Still stuck?

Our customer services team will help. To get the quickest answer, tell us the product code, the batch number from the back of the dimmer, and the make, wattage and number of lamps.