Lutron Caseta Dimmer Causing LED Lights to Flicker

Easy 10-20 minutes

If your Lutron Caseta dimmer is causing LED lights to flicker, buzz, or behave erratically, this guide covers the most common causes and solutions from the community.

Why LEDs Flicker with Dimmers

LED bulbs flicker with dimmers because of how they regulate power. Unlike incandescent bulbs that simply dim with less power, LEDs have internal drivers that can react unpredictably to dimmed power signals. The key factors:

  • Compatibility – Not all LED bulbs work well with all dimmers
  • Minimum load – Some dimmers need a minimum wattage to operate properly
  • Low-end dimming – Many LEDs can't dim as low as the dimmer allows
  • Neutral wire – Dimmers without neutral can struggle with LED loads

Adjust the Low-End Trim (Most Common Fix)

If lights flicker only at lower brightness levels, the LED can't dim as low as the Caseta allows. Adjusting the low-end trim prevents the dimmer from going below the bulb's minimum.

How to adjust low-end trim:

  1. Press and hold the ON button and the lower brightness button (darker) at the same time
  2. Hold for about 6 seconds until the indicator light blinks
  3. Dim the lights down until they start flickering
  4. Tap the RAISE button (brighter) until the flickering stops
  5. Press the center button to save

This sets a new minimum brightness level that the dimmer won't go below.

Check Bulb Compatibility

Lutron maintains an official compatibility list at lutron.com/ledtool. Even bulbs on the list may have issues, but it's a good starting point.

Bulbs with good community reports:

  • Philips LED bulbs – Especially the "warm glow" models that get warmer as they dim
  • Feit Electric – Many users report good dimming with no flicker
  • Cree bulbs – Generally compatible

Bulbs with mixed reports:

  • EcoSmart – Multiple forum users report flickering issues
  • Some GU10 bulbs – Can be problematic at low dimming levels

One user on MacRumors reported: "I tried two different EcoSmart bulbs from Lutron's approved list but still got flickering. Switched to Feit Electric and they dim exceptionally well with no flicker or buzzing."

Minimum Load Issues (No Neutral Wire)

Caseta dimmers without a neutral wire (most installations) need to "steal" power through the load circuit. If the total LED wattage is too low, the dimmer can't power itself properly.

Symptoms:

  • Lights flash when turned on
  • Lights glow faintly when off ("ghosting")
  • Flickering at all brightness levels

Solutions:

1. Install a Lutron LUT-MLC (Minimum Load Capacitor):

This small capacitor tricks the dimmer into seeing a higher load. Install it at one of the light fixtures (in the junction box).

  • Helps when total LED load is under 25W
  • Simple to install—connects in parallel with the light
  • Available from electrical suppliers or Amazon

2. Add more bulbs to the circuit:

If you have a single low-wattage LED, adding more bulbs increases the total load and can stabilize dimming.

3. Add one incandescent/halogen bulb:

Mixing in one incandescent bulb can stabilize the circuit. Not ideal for efficiency, but it works as a diagnostic or temporary fix.

Use the Correct Dimmer Model

Lutron makes different Caseta dimmer models:

  • PD-6WCL – Standard dimmer, works without neutral, 150W LED max
  • PD-5NE – Requires neutral wire, better LED compatibility, 250W LED max

If you have a neutral wire available and experience flickering with the PD-6WCL, Lutron recommends trying the PD-5NE dimmer instead. One user reported Lutron sent them replacement PD-5NE switches to resolve flickering.

Adjust Fade On Rate

If lights flash once when turned on before ramping up, adjusting the fade rate can help:

  1. Open the Lutron app
  2. Select the dimmer → Advanced Settings
  3. Increase "Fade On" from the default 0.75 seconds to 2 seconds

This gives the LED drivers more time to stabilize during turn-on.

Ghosting / Lights Glow When Off

If LEDs glow faintly when the dimmer is off, this is called "ghosting." It happens because a small amount of current leaks through even when off.

Solutions:

  • Install a LUT-MLC capacitor
  • Try different LED bulbs—some are more susceptible than others
  • If you have neutral, switch to the PD-5NE dimmer

Buzzing or Humming

Buzzing can come from either the dimmer or the bulbs.

Buzzing from the dimmer:

  • Check that the dimmer isn't overloaded (stay under rated wattage)
  • Some buzzing is normal under heavy loads
  • If excessive, the dimmer may be defective

Buzzing from the bulbs:

  • This is a bulb/dimmer compatibility issue
  • Try different LED bulbs
  • Some bulbs buzz at certain dimming levels but not others

After Years of Working Fine

If flickering suddenly starts after years of normal operation:

  • Bulb degradation – LED bulbs can develop flickering as they age. Try new bulbs.
  • Loose connection – Check wire connections at the dimmer and fixture
  • Firmware update – Rare, but smart dimmer updates could change behavior
  • Electrical issue – Voltage fluctuations in your home can cause new issues

When to Contact Lutron

Lutron has excellent customer support and may:

  • Provide specific bulb recommendations for your fixture
  • Send replacement dimmers if yours is defective
  • Offer the PD-5NE as a solution if you have neutral

Contact Lutron at 1-844-LUTRON1 or lutron.com/support

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