Installing motion lights on a fixture with a dimmer switch

Question

I'm replacing an old led light fixture that is on a dimmer knob. The new light fixture is also LED but motion activated. The instruction manual says do not install on dimmer circuit. Basically I want to know why not, and is it ok to disregard this warning if I don't care about the dimmer effect working?
This will be a temporary fixture until we get a contractor out to have some proper work done. I need to have motion lights as a security deterrent ASAP.
Basically can I install the fixture anyway? If not what do I need to do, would it be a simple wall switch replacement? Or the entire wiring needs to be redone?

Ecnerwal · Answer

No, you cannot.
It is a code violation to install a fixture contrary to the manufacturers instuctions.
It's also a dumb idea, but that's not why you can't do it. You might well destroy the fixture, for instance.
A simple switch replacement should solve the problem, and can be changed out later if you install a different fixture non-temporarily.

Ed Beal · Answer

The dimmer modifies the sine wave and the fixture may not work. many dimmers  use silicone controlled rectifiers and only 1/2 of the energy wave is passed on even at full on. Only having half wave to work with can keep the fixture from working or may over heat and even damage components in the motion light.
Because the manufacturer states to not use this fixture with a dimmer it would be a code violation to do it.

Installing motion lights on a fixture with a dimmer switch

2 Answers

No, you cannot.

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