It's very likely your bulbs are working perfectly. The issue you're describing is a common characteristic of many modern dimming systems when paired with energy-efficient LED bulbs. Here's a simple explanation of how to fix it:
Why does this happen?
Digital dimmers, like the Pixie dimmer, require minimum power to operate and initially turn on the connected bulbs. When the dimming level is set very low (e.g., below 35%), there may not be enough electrical current to start the bulbs. This is often called a "pop-on" effect, where the lights will only activate once the brightness is increased to a certain threshold.
The Solution: Set a Minimum Dimming Level
The great news is that Pixie dimmers have a built-in feature to resolve this. By setting a "minimum brightness" level in the Pixie app, you can ensure your lights always have enough power to turn on, regardless of the dimmer's position.
Here's how to adjust this setting:
- Open the Pixie or Pixie Plus app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Navigate to the specific dimmer that controls the affected bulbs.
- Go into the device's settings.
- Look for an option such as "Minimum Brightness" or "Set Minimum Dimming Level".
- Adjust this level to 35% or slightly higher.
By setting this minimum, you are telling the dimmer never to go below a level at which the bulbs can reliably turn on. You will still be able to dim the lights smoothly, but they will not become too low to activate.
Our Commitment to Compatibility
We strive to ensure our bulbs are compatible with many standard dimmers. The interaction you've observed is a function of how modern dimming technology and energy-saving LEDs work together. Setting a minimum brightness level on your Pixie dimmer is recommended and will provide a smooth and reliable lighting experience.