Home Product Information

Product Information

Answers to common questions about LED bulbs, fittings, colour temperature and compatibility
19 articles

How to Choose the Right LED Bulb

How to Choose the Right LED Bulb Choosing the right LED bulb comes down to four key things: base type, voltage, whether you need a dimmable bulb, and your preferred colour temperature. 1. Base Type The base type is the part of the bulb that connects to your fitting. The most common types are: - E27 — large Edison screw, used in most standard pendant and table lamp fittings - E14 — small Edison screw, common in decorative and chandelier fittings - B22 — bayonet cap, very common in Australian homes - B15 — small bayonet cap, used in smaller decorative fittings - GU10 — twist and lock, used in downlights and spotlights - MR16 (GU5.3) — pin base, used in 12V downlight systems - G9 — looped pin base, common in small wall lights and pendants - G4 — small pin base, often used in display lighting If you are not sure which base type you have, simply look at the bottom of your existing bulb or check your light fitting. 2. Voltage Most Australian homes use 240V for standard fittings. However, some downlight systems use 12V or 24V. Check your existing bulb or transformer to confirm the voltage before purchasing. 3. Dimmable or Non-Dimmable If your light fitting is connected to a dimmer switch, you will need a dimmable bulb. Not all LED bulbs are dimmable, so check the product description before purchasing. You will also need a compatible LED dimmer switch. Browse our range of dimmers at liquid-leds.com. 4. Colour Temperature Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and describes how warm or cool the light appears: - 2000K Ultra Warm — very warm amber glow, ideal for creating atmosphere - 2200K Extra Warm — warm amber tone, great for living areas and bedrooms - 2700K Warm White — the most popular choice, soft and flattering for most rooms - 3000K Soft White — slightly cooler, suits kitchens and bathrooms - 4000K Natural White — bright and crisp, ideal for workspaces and task lighting Still not sure? Our team is happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Last updated on Mar 14, 2026

Understanding LED Colour Temperature

Understanding LED Colour Temperature Colour temperature describes the appearance of light and is measured in Kelvin (K). The lower the number, the warmer and more amber the light. The higher the number, the cooler and whiter the light. LiquidLEDs Colour Temperature Range | Colour Temperature | Appearance | Best Used In | |---|---|---| | 2000K Ultra Warm | Very warm amber glow | Restaurants, atmospheric spaces | | 2200K Extra Warm | Rich warm amber | Living rooms, bedrooms, bars | | 2700K Warm White | Soft warm white | Living areas, bedrooms, dining rooms | | 3000K Soft White | Slightly cooler warm white | Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways | | 4000K Natural White | Bright and crisp white | Home offices, garages, task lighting | Which Colour Temperature Should I Choose? For a relaxed, cosy feel — choose 2700K or lower. This is the most popular choice for living areas and bedrooms as it creates a warm, inviting atmosphere similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. For a clean, bright feel — choose 3000K or 4000K. These are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and workspaces where you need clear, accurate light for tasks. For decorative or feature lighting — consider 2000K or 2200K for a dramatic amber glow that adds warmth and character to a space. Mixing Colour Temperatures We recommend using the same colour temperature throughout a room for a consistent look. Mixing warm and cool bulbs in the same space can create an unbalanced, patchy appearance. If you are unsure which colour temperature is right for your space, our team is happy to help. Contact us for personalised advice.

Last updated on Mar 14, 2026

What Is CRI and Why Does It Matter?

What Is CRI and Why Does It Matter? CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index. It is a measure of how accurately a light source renders the true colours of objects compared to natural sunlight. How Is CRI Measured? CRI is measured on a scale from 0 to 100. The higher the number, the more accurately colours appear under that light source. Natural sunlight has a CRI of 100. | CRI Range | Colour Rendering | Best Used In | |---|---|---| | 80 to 89 | Good | General household lighting | | 90 to 95 | Very Good | Retail, offices, living areas | | 96 to 100 | Excellent (Ultra-High CRI) | Art studios, photography, medical | Why Does CRI Matter? Under low CRI lighting, colours can appear washed out, dull or inaccurate. This is particularly noticeable with: - Skin tones appearing flat or unnatural - Food looking less appetising - Paint and fabric colours appearing different to how they look in daylight - Artwork and photography losing detail and vibrancy LiquidLEDs Ultra-High CRI Bulbs LiquidLEDs offers a range of Ultra-High CRI bulbs with a CRI of 96 and above. These are ideal for: - Home studios and art spaces - Retail displays and showrooms - Bathrooms and dressing areas where accurate colour is important - Anyone who values true-to-life lighting throughout their home Browse our Ultra-High CRI range at liquid-leds.com. Need Help Choosing? If you are not sure whether Ultra-High CRI bulbs are right for your space, our team is happy to help. Contact us for personalised advice.

Last updated on Mar 14, 2026

LED Flicker Explained: Three Types and How to Avoid Them

LED Flicker Explained: Three Types and How to Avoid Them Not all LED flicker is the same. There are three distinct types that can affect your lighting, and understanding each one will help you choose the right bulbs and set up your lights correctly. Type 1: Invisible High-Frequency Flicker This is the most common and least understood type of flicker. It happens inside the LED driver at 50-100 times per second (in line with Australia's 50Hz power supply), and you cannot see it with the naked eye. Even though it's invisible, research has linked this type of flicker to: - Eye strain and visual fatigue - Headaches and migraines - Difficulty concentrating - Discomfort for people with photosensitivity, migraines or autism spectrum conditions How LiquidLEDs bulbs compare: Our bulbs are independently tested by TUV Rheinland to the EU Ecodesign Regulation 2019/2020, one of the world's strictest lighting standards: | Metric | LiquidLEDs Result | Standard Limit | |---|---|---| | Flicker index | ≤1.0 | ≤1.0 | | Stroboscopic effect | ≤0.9 | ≤1.0 | A stroboscopic effect score of ≤0.9 is at the very low end of what's achievable, meaning our bulbs produce near-zero perceptible flicker under normal use. Who benefits most: Home offices, children's rooms, anyone prone to headaches, photographers and videographers shooting under artificial light. Type 2: Dimmer Incompatibility Flicker This type of flicker is visible and is caused by using an LED bulb with an incompatible dimmer switch. It appears as a noticeable buzz, flicker or strobe effect, especially at low dim levels. Why it happens: Most older dimmer switches were designed for incandescent or halogen bulbs, which have a much higher minimum load. LED bulbs draw very little power, which can confuse these dimmers and cause them to chop the power supply inconsistently. How to fix it: - Replace your dimmer with a modern LED-compatible trailing-edge dimmer - Use LiquidLEDs' own Pixie Dimmer, which is specifically designed and tested with our bulbs - If you prefer a third-party dimmer, look for one rated for low-load LED use (minimum load of 0W or 1W) Signs this is your issue: The flicker only happens when the lights are dimmed, not at full brightness. It may also be accompanied by a buzzing sound from the bulb or the switch. Type 3: Tariff-Switching Flicker (Australia) This is a uniquely Australian issue that catches many people off guard. Australian electricity providers use a system called ripple control, which sends a signal through the power grid to switch certain loads (like hot water systems) between peak and off-peak tariffs. This signal causes a brief, momentary fluctuation in the mains voltage. With standard LED bulbs, this voltage spike can cause a brief visible flicker, sometimes just a single flash, or a brief period of instability lasting a second or two. It most commonly happens in the early morning or evening when tariff periods change. How to identify it: - Flicker occurs at specific times of day (typically around 10pm, 11pm, or early morning depending on your provider) - It affects all lights in your home simultaneously - It does not happen when you use the dimmer What you can do: - LiquidLEDs bulbs with advanced flicker-filtering drivers are more resilient to these voltage spikes than standard LED bulbs - If this is a persistent issue, speak to your electricity provider about the ripple control schedule for your area - Installing a whole-home surge protector can also help buffer these transient spikes Summary | Flicker Type | Visible? | Cause | Solution | |---|---|---|---| | High-frequency (invisible) | No | LED driver technology | Choose TUV-certified flicker-free bulbs | | Dimmer incompatibility | Yes | Wrong dimmer type | Use an LED-compatible dimmer or Pixie Dimmer | | Tariff switching (AU) | Yes (brief) | Electricity grid ripple control | Flicker-filtering bulbs, surge protector | LiquidLEDs Flicker-Free Range Browse our full range of Flicker-Free LED bulbs at liquid-leds.com. For a deeper dive, visit our Flicker-Free Lighting Guide. Need Help? Not sure which bulb or dimmer is right for your situation? Our team is happy to help. Contact us or call +61 2 8880 9033 (weekdays 8am-6pm AEDST).

Last updated on Mar 16, 2026

LED Wattage Guide — Replacing Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs

LED Wattage Guide — Replacing Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs Switching from halogen or incandescent bulbs to LED is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy consumption at home. The key is knowing which LED wattage gives you the same brightness as your existing bulb. Understanding Lumens vs Watts Traditional bulbs were measured by watts, which indicates power consumption rather than brightness. LED bulbs use far less power, so the wattage comparison is not like for like. Instead, brightness is measured in lumens (lm). Halogen to LED Replacement Guide | Halogen Wattage | Equivalent LED Wattage | Approximate Lumens | |---|---|---| | 20W | 2 to 3W | 200 lm | | 35W | 4 to 5W | 350 lm | | 50W | 5 to 7W | 500 lm | | 75W | 8 to 10W | 750 lm | | 100W | 12 to 15W | 1000 lm | Incandescent to LED Replacement Guide | Incandescent Wattage | Equivalent LED Wattage | Approximate Lumens | |---|---|---| | 25W | 2 to 3W | 250 lm | | 40W | 4 to 5W | 470 lm | | 60W | 7 to 9W | 800 lm | | 75W | 10 to 12W | 1050 lm | | 100W | 13 to 15W | 1521 lm | Tips for Getting the Right Brightness - If you want a brighter room, choose a higher lumen output - For a cosy, ambient feel, choose a lower lumen output with a warm colour temperature (2700K or below) - Always check the lumen output listed on the product page rather than relying on wattage alone Need Help? If you are not sure which LED wattage is right for your fitting, our team is happy to help. Contact us for personalised advice.

Last updated on Mar 14, 2026

What Is Dim-to-Warm Technology?

What Is Dim-to-Warm Technology? Dim-to-Warm (sometimes written as DTW or 4MDV) is an advanced LED technology that changes both brightness and colour temperature as you dim, just like a traditional incandescent or halogen bulb did. How It Works Standard LED bulbs maintain a fixed colour temperature regardless of how bright they are. If you set a 2700K bulb to 20% brightness, it still emits 2700K light; it just looks dimmer. Dim-to-Warm bulbs are different. As you reduce the brightness, the colour temperature automatically shifts warmer: | Brightness Level | Approx. Colour Temperature | |---|---| | 100% (full brightness) | ~2700K (warm white) | | 50% | ~2200K (soft amber) | | 10-20% | ~1800K (candlelight glow) | This creates a natural, atmospheric progression that feels organic and luxurious, much closer to the experience of dimming a halogen or incandescent bulb. Why It Matters When you dim a standard LED to a very low level, the cool-white or neutral undertones in the light can become more apparent, making the ambience feel clinical or flat. Dim-to-Warm eliminates this problem by pushing the colour temperature into the warm amber range at low levels. This makes it ideal for: - Living rooms and dining areas where you want a relaxed, intimate atmosphere in the evenings - Bedrooms where warm, low-level light supports healthy sleep routines - Restaurants, bars and hospitality where ambience is part of the experience - Feature lighting such as pendants and statement fittings where you want maximum visual warmth Dim-to-Warm vs. Standard Dimmable LEDs | Feature | Standard Dimmable LED | Dim-to-Warm LED | |---|---|---| | Changes brightness when dimmed | Yes | Yes | | Changes colour temperature when dimmed | No | Yes | | Mimics incandescent/halogen feel | No | Yes | | Ideal for ambience and mood lighting | No | Yes | Does Dim-to-Warm Require a Special Dimmer? Yes. Dim-to-Warm bulbs need a compatible LED dimmer switch to work correctly. We recommend using the LiquidLEDs Pixie Dimmer, which is specifically designed and tested to work with our Dim-to-Warm range. Using an incompatible dimmer may result in the colour shift not working, visible flicker, or the bulb not dimming smoothly. LiquidLEDs Dim-to-Warm Range Browse our Dim-to-Warm bulbs at liquid-leds.com. If you are not sure which model suits your fitting or fixture, our team is happy to help. Contact us or call +61 2 8880 9033 (weekdays 8am-6pm AEDST).

Last updated on Mar 16, 2026

Festoon String Lights: Buying Guide

Festoon String Lights: Buying Guide Festoon string lights add warmth and character to any space, from outdoor entertaining areas and backyards to restaurants, pergolas and indoor living spaces. This guide will help you choose the right string for your needs. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use The most important first question is where you plan to use your festoon lights. | Use | What to Look For | |---|---| | Indoors only | Standard festoon string | | Covered outdoor area (undercover pergola, verandah) | IP44 rated or higher | | Fully exposed outdoor area (rain, direct weather) | IP65 rated or higher | What is an IP rating? IP stands for Ingress Protection. The first number refers to dust protection and the second to water protection. IP44 means splash-proof from any direction; IP65 means protected against low-pressure water jets. For Australian outdoor conditions, we generally recommend IP65 for exposed areas. Bulb Styles LiquidLEDs festoon strings are available with different bulb shapes to suit different aesthetics: - G45 (golf ball): compact and understated, suits modern and Scandi-style spaces - ST64 (Edison / vintage teardrop): the classic festoon look, warm filament-style glow - A60 (standard globe): versatile everyday shape, clean and neutral All LiquidLEDs festoon bulbs are LED, meaning they run cool to the touch and use a fraction of the energy of traditional festoon bulbs. Colour Temperature For festoon lighting we generally recommend: - 2200K-2400K: deep amber, warm candlelight glow, ideal for alfresco and entertaining - 2700K: warm white, the most popular all-round choice for indoor and outdoor use Can I Dim My Festoon Lights? Yes. LiquidLEDs festoon strings are compatible with standard LED-compatible dimmer switches. For the smoothest dimming experience, we recommend using an LED trailing-edge dimmer or the Pixie Dimmer. Note that the bulbs must be dimmable (marked DIM on the product) and the dimmer must be rated for the total wattage of your string. How Long a String Do I Need? A quick guide to planning your run length: - Measure your space end to end, allowing for any draping or catenary sag - Add 10-15% extra length for natural sag between fixing points - Spacing between bulbs on LiquidLEDs strings is typically 50cm or 1m, which affects the density and warmth of light Connecting Multiple Strings LiquidLEDs festoon strings can be daisy-chained end to end. Always check the maximum connected load specified on the product; exceeding this can cause overheating or trip a circuit. Hanging Tips - Fix strings using cable ties, screw-in hooks or festoon wire clips rated for outdoor use if installing externally - Maintain a gentle catenary (curve) rather than a straight run, as this looks better and reduces tension on the connectors - Keep connectors and plugs under cover where possible, even on IP-rated strings Need Help Planning Your Installation? Our team can help you work out the right string length, bulb style and mounting approach for your space. Contact us or call +61 2 8880 9033 (weekdays 8am-6pm AEDST).

Last updated on Mar 16, 2026

Which Dimmer Switch Works with LiquidLEDs Bulbs?

Which Dimmer Switch Works with LiquidLEDs Bulbs? Not all dimmer switches work well with LED bulbs. Using the wrong dimmer is the most common cause of flickering, buzzing and poor dimming performance. This guide explains what to look for, and what to avoid. The Short Answer LiquidLEDs bulbs are compatible with modern LED trailing-edge (capacitive) dimmers. The easiest and most reliable option is our own Pixie Dimmer, which is specifically designed and tested with our full range. Trailing-Edge vs. Leading-Edge Dimmers | Type | Also Called | Works with LED? | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Trailing-edge | Capacitive, ELV | Recommended | Designed for low-load LEDs, smooth dimming, quiet | | Leading-edge | TRIAC, phase-cut, resistive | Sometimes | Designed for halogen/incandescent, can cause flicker or buzz with LEDs | | 0-10V / DALI | Commercial dimming | Yes (specific products) | For commercial/architectural applications | If you are replacing an older dimmer that was installed for halogen or incandescent bulbs, it is almost certainly a leading-edge dimmer and should be swapped out for a trailing-edge model. Why Incompatible Dimmers Cause Problems Leading-edge dimmers work by "chopping" the AC power wave in a way that halogen and incandescent elements can handle easily. LED drivers are more sensitive to these interruptions, which can cause: - Visible flickering, especially at lower dim levels - Buzzing or humming from the bulb - Limited dimming range (e.g., only dims down to 40-50% before flickering) - Reduced bulb lifespan in some cases Minimum Load Requirements Many dimmers have a minimum load rating. For example, a dimmer rated for "20W-300W" needs at least 20W of connected load to operate correctly. Because LED bulbs draw very little power, a single LED bulb may fall below the dimmer's minimum load and cause flickering. What to do: Choose a dimmer with a low minimum load rating (0W or 1W), or use multiple bulbs on the same circuit to raise the total load. The Pixie Dimmer is designed with LED minimum load in mind and works reliably with as little as a single LiquidLEDs bulb. What About Smart Dimmers? Smart Wi-Fi or Zigbee dimmers (such as those from Lutron, Clipsal, or C-Bus) can work with LiquidLEDs bulbs, provided they are rated for trailing-edge / LED operation. Always check the manufacturer's compatibility list before installing. The Pixie Dimmer: Our Recommended Choice The Pixie Dimmer is LiquidLEDs' own smart dimmer switch, designed from the ground up for LED performance. Key features: - App control: adjust brightness from your phone via the Pixie app - Scene setting: save favourite brightness levels - Low minimum load: works reliably with a single LED bulb - Smooth dimming: no flicker, no buzz, full dimming range from 100% down to ~1% - Australian standard: designed for standard Australian switch plates Browse the Pixie Dimmer at liquid-leds.com. Still Having Dimming Issues? If your bulbs are flickering or buzzing with a dimmer, see our article: My Bulbs Do Not Turn On With My Pixie Dimmer at Low Settings. For further help, contact our team or call +61 2 8880 9033 (weekdays 8am-6pm AEDST).

Last updated on Mar 16, 2026

Pixie Dimmer: Setup, App Pairing and Troubleshooting

Pixie Dimmer: Setup, App Pairing and Troubleshooting The Pixie Dimmer is LiquidLEDs' smart dimmer switch designed specifically for LED bulbs. This guide covers everything from installation to app pairing and common fixes. What's in the Box - Pixie Dimmer switch module - Wall plate (standard Australian size) - Installation guide Installation Important: Switch off the power at the circuit breaker before installing or replacing any switch. If you are not confident working with mains wiring, please engage a licensed electrician. The Pixie Dimmer replaces your existing wall switch and wires in the same way as a standard single-gang dimmer. It is suitable for: - Single-switch (one-way) circuits - Standard 240V Australian mains wiring It is not suitable for two-way switching circuits (where the same light is controlled by two switches) without additional components. Pairing with the Pixie App 1. Download the Pixie app from the App Store or Google Play 2. Create an account or log in 3. Tap Add Device and follow the on-screen instructions 4. Make sure your phone is connected to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (the Pixie Dimmer does not support 5GHz) 5. Press and hold the dimmer button for 5 seconds until the indicator light flashes, putting it into pairing mode 6. Complete the pairing process in the app Once paired, you can control brightness, set schedules and save scenes from anywhere. Adjusting the Minimum Brightness Level If your bulbs flicker or fail to turn on at low dim settings, the minimum brightness level in the app may need to be raised. 1. Open the Pixie app 2. Select your dimmer 3. Go to Settings > Minimum Brightness 4. Increase the minimum level in small increments until the flickering stops This is the most common fix for low-level dimming issues. For more detail, see our dedicated article: My Bulbs Do Not Turn On With My Pixie Dimmer at Low Settings. Scenes and Schedules The Pixie app lets you: - Save scenes: set a favourite brightness level and recall it with one tap - Schedule: automatically turn lights on or off, or set a brightness level, at a specific time - Sunrise/sunset: link your schedule to local sunrise and sunset times Common Issues and Fixes Bulbs flicker at low dim levels Raise the minimum brightness setting in the Pixie app (see above). Dimmer won't pair with the app - Make sure your phone is on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, not 5GHz - Move your phone closer to the dimmer during pairing - Reset the dimmer by holding the button for 10 seconds, then try again App shows dimmer as offline - Check that your Wi-Fi router is working - Restart the dimmer by turning the circuit breaker off and back on - Check that the Pixie app is up to date Bulbs buzz or hum This usually indicates a compatibility issue between the dimmer and the bulb. Confirm that you are using LiquidLEDs dimmable bulbs (marked DIM). If using third-party bulbs, they may not be fully compatible. Dimmer gets warm A small amount of warmth is normal during operation. If the dimmer feels hot to the touch, check that the total wattage of connected bulbs does not exceed the dimmer's rated maximum load. Specifications | Spec | Detail | |---|---| | Input voltage | 220-240V AC, 50Hz | | Dimming type | Trailing-edge (capacitive) | | Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz | | Minimum load | Suitable for single LED bulb | | Australian standard | Yes, standard single-gang plate | Still Need Help? Contact our team, call +61 2 8880 9033, or reach us on WhatsApp at +61 483 949 669 (weekdays 8am-6pm AEDST).

Last updated on Mar 16, 2026

LiquidLEDs Product Range Overview

LiquidLEDs Product Range Overview LiquidLEDs is an Australian LED lighting company focused on quality, health-conscious lighting. Our range is built around three core product categories. LED Bulbs Our LED bulbs are available in a range of shapes, fittings, wattages and technologies. All bulbs are independently tested and comply with Australian and international standards. Key Technologies High CRI (Colour Rendering Index) CRI measures how accurately a light source renders colours compared to natural sunlight (CRI 100). Standard LEDs are typically CRI 80. LiquidLEDs offers: - CRI 90+: noticeably better colour rendering for everyday use - CRI 95+: excellent colour accuracy for living areas, retail and hospitality - CRI 97+: near-perfect colour rendering for art, photography, makeup and colour-critical work Flicker-Free All LiquidLEDs bulbs are designed to minimise flicker. Our premium range is TUV Rheinland certified with a stroboscopic effect score of ≤0.9, among the lowest available. See our full article: LED Flicker Explained: Three Types and How to Avoid Them. Dim-to-Warm (4MDV) Our Dim-to-Warm bulbs shift from 2700K at full brightness down to ~1800K at low dim levels, mimicking the warm glow of incandescent and halogen bulbs. See: What Is Dim-to-Warm Technology? Common Fittings - E27: standard screw cap (most common in Australia) - B22: bayonet cap (common in older Australian homes) - E14: small screw cap (candelabra and decorative fittings) - GU10: twist-and-lock (downlights and spotlights) Common Shapes - A60 / GLS: standard globe, the most versatile shape - G45: small round golf ball globe - C35: candle shape for chandeliers and wall sconces - ST64: large vintage Edison teardrop shape - R63 / PAR: reflector shapes for directional lighting Festoon String Lights LiquidLEDs festoon strings are available for indoor and outdoor use, with IP ratings up to IP65 for fully exposed outdoor installation. Available bulb styles: G45, ST64, A60 Available colour temperatures: 2200K, 2400K, 2700K See our full guide: Festoon String Lights: Buying Guide Pixie Smart Dimmer The Pixie Dimmer is our own LED dimmer switch for Australian standard switch plates. It connects via Wi-Fi and is controlled through the Pixie app (iOS and Android). Key features: trailing-edge dimming, adjustable minimum brightness, scene setting, scheduling, sunrise/sunset automation. See: Pixie Dimmer: Setup, App Pairing and Troubleshooting Trade and Wholesale LiquidLEDs supplies lighting professionals, builders, electricians and interior designers through our trade programme. Trade customers have access to pricing, project support and dedicated account management. For trade enquiries, please contact us or visit liquidleds.lighting. Not Sure What You Need? Our team is happy to recommend the right product for your fitting, room and budget. Contact us, call +61 2 8880 9033 or reach us on WhatsApp at +61 483 949 669 (weekdays 8am-6pm AEDST).

Last updated on Mar 16, 2026