Many wonder, “Can you mix LED and incandescent lights on the same circuit?” No doubt it is a fair question! After all, LED and incandescent lights are different categories, and you don’t want any mess-ups when it comes to making your outdoor space look killer. Let’s talk about everything you need to know today about mixing LED and incandescent light bulbs in your landscape setup. We’ll also cover for you today why some people are tempted to do this mix and the challenges of pulling it off. We will also give you some interesting tips for balancing out brightness and color temperature. So, let’s answer the question: can you mix LED and halogen landscape lights?

The Temptation of Mixing LED & Incandescent Bulbs

If you’ve already got a setup with an incandescent light bulb option outside, you might be wondering if you can throw a few LED bulbs into the mix. And hey, with replacement bulbs for incandescent lights getting expensive, it makes sense to consider the upgrade. 

LED lights are energy-efficient as well as long-lasting, and they come in all sorts of options, from color-changing to extra bright. Plus, with everyone trying to cut back on their power bills, those LEDs might be calling your name!

But here’s the thing: mixing incandescent lights and LEDs on the same circuit isn’t as easy as just popping them into the sockets. There’s a little more to it than that. LED bulbs and Incandescent light work differently, and those differences can create a bit of a challenge if you’re not careful.

Understanding How Incandescent & LED Bulbs Work

To really get what’s going on, you’ve got to understand the basics of incandescent lights and LED lights.

Incandescent bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are old-school lights that produce light by heating a filament until it glows. They’re super classic, warm, and cozy, too, but they’re also inefficient.

What’s the big downside of Incandescent bulbs? They eat up a lot of power because most of the energy they consume goes into creating heat, not light. That is the reason why they are old school.

LED bulbs

LED lights (or “Light Emitting Diodes”) work differently from Incandescent bulbs. They produce light by passing an electric current through a semiconductor. This means they’re cool to the touch, last for ages, and are also efficient. They’re not cheap upfront, but over time, they save you money on power and replacement bulbs.

The Problem with Mixing LED & Incandescent on the Same Circuit

Here’s where things can get a bit tricky for you if you are going for this mix. When you’re mixing LED and incandescent bulbs on the same circuit, there are a few big issues that can pop up:

Current Draw & Power Supply Issues

The amount of current that flows through a circuit – known as a current draw – is different for LEDs and incandescent bulbs.

LED bulbs require far less power than incandescent light bulbs, which can throw things off if they’re sharing the same circuit. Too much power drawn from the incandescent bulbs can sometimes mess with the LEDs, causing dimming or flickering issues, which obviously you will never want to face.

When you mix LEDs and incandescent on the same line, the power supply has to handle both high loads and low loads. And if your circuit was set up with the expectation of handling just incandescent bulbs, it could struggle with LEDs thrown into the mix. Read trends in interior lighting design 2024 for inspiration on innovative lighting solutions.

Dimming Trouble on the Dimmer Switch

Another issue is the dimmer switch. A lot of people like to have dimmable lights outdoors to set the perfect mood and vibe. But dimming is not the same for both LEDs and incandescent lights. Incandescent bulbs have been around forever, and they dim pretty easily. But LED lights? They’re a little more finicky.

If you’ve got a dimmer that’s meant for incandescent lighting, adding LEDs might not work like you think. Instead of a romantic dim, you might end up with a flickery mess which is surely very annoying and frustrating. Or worse, the LED bulb might not dim at all! This is because LEDs require an LED-compatible dimmer switch.

So, if you’re thinking of going for a mixed-lighting setup, you might need to consider swapping out your dimmer switch. And if you’re looking for lighting advice, the complete guide to home theater lighting is your go-to.

Color Temperature Clashes

Color temperature is the “coolness” or “warmth” of the light that comes from a bulb. Incandescent lights have a warm glow, usually around 2700K, while LEDs can be found in anything from warmth of 2700K to a much cooler 5000K or more.

When you mix LED bulbs and incandescent bulbs with different color temperatures, your lighting can end up looking disjointed. Imagine your backyard with a cool blue on one side and warm yellow glow on the other – not exactly the vibe you were going for!

There is a solution to that! To make it work, you’d have to get LEDs that match the color temperature of your existing incandescent lights as closely as possible.

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Tips for Mixing LED & Incandescent in Landscape Lighting

Alright, so you’re still thinking about going for it. Okay, here’s how to make it work without any headaches. Let’s talk about some ways one by one!

Match Your Color Temperature

If you’re set on mixing LEDs with an incandescent bulb, try to match the color temperature. Find LED bulbs in the 2700K range for a similar warmth to your incandescent light bulbs.

Consider Separate Circuits

Second tip: Get separate circuits! If you have the option, put the LED bulbs and incandescent lights on separate circuits. This way, each one can draw the power it needs without fighting over the same circuit.

Upgrade the Dimmer Switch

Tip number three: Update your dimmer switch! If you’re using a dimmer switch, make sure it’s LED-compatible. The wrong dimmer switch can cause LED bulbs to flicker or not work at all.

Check Compatibility with Replacement Bulbs

Always ensure your replacement bulbs are compatible with the system when mixing types. Switching to all-LED over time might simplify things down the road.

Mind the Power Supply

Depending on your setup, you may need a power supply that can handle the mix of incandescent lights and LED lights. If you notice dimming or flickering issues, this could be a sign that your current draw isn’t balanced. It’s always wise to call professionals to deal with all these electrical issues. Electricity is dangerous, and safety is important. DIY is not recommended, and calling the pros is the best way.

Is It Better to Just Go All-In on LED?

Here’s the honest answer to this question: It’s usually smarter and easier to pick one type of light bulb and stick with it. LED lights are more efficient, they save you on energy costs, and they last way longer than incandescent.

Sure, there’s an upfront cost for LED lights, but over time, they save you money. Plus, with all the options in LEDs these days, you can find almost any style and brightness you need.

Household lighting has largely moved over to LEDs because they’re just better. And if you’re thinking about future-proofing your landscape lighting, going all-LED is the wisest option. Fewer compatibility issues, less hassle,and a whole lot more flexibility in terms of energy use, brightness, color temperature.

Wrapping Up

Yes, you can use LED and incandescent lights together on the same circuit. However, it is a bit tricky. If you want them to look good together, you should try to match their color temperatures. Make sure to change your dimmer switch and do not use too much electricity. Still, if you want to avoid problems later, using only LED lights is a smart and wise choice. LED lights use less energy and are easy to find. Whether you choose the energy-saving LEDs or the warm light of incandescent bulbs, you have everything you need to brighten up your yard. 

If you have more questions, call your local professionals and get the best expert advice. If you are in Fargo Moorhead or nearby, call Prairetech for the best commercial and residential lighting solutions!

Call Prairetech for Commercial & Residential Lighting Solutions

With over 30 years under our belt, PrairieTech is the go-to tech contractor in and near Fargo Moorhead. We give discounts to our veterans, so we’re all about showing some love. For the businesses out there, we’ve got your back with killer commercial audio & video setups, top-notch security systems, permanent lighting, and expert TV installation & mounting that’ll seriously level up your game.

When it comes to your home, we’re all about home theater magic, reliable home security, smart home automation, custom motorized blinds, permanent lighting, and TV installs & mounting—basically, we’ll help you make your place exactly how you’ve always dreamed. 

Send us an email on info@prairietechfm.com or give us a call at (701) 361-0358 to get rolling today!