If your “dimmable” LEDs strobe, shimmer, or refuse to fade to a cozy low, the problem usually isn’t the bulb—it’s control that can’t match your driver. At Simply Controlled, we fix LED flicker in real Canadian homes with the Lutron RA3 Sunnata PRO: a neutral-wire dimmer that pairs phase selection (forward or reverse) with precise low-end trim for smooth, quiet fades.
This isn’t just another smart dimmer. Sunnata PRO is engineered for the mixed lighting loads common in Canadian homes—LED retrofits with existing halogen, ELV under-cabinet drivers, and MLV systems in older properties.
Why trust it for Canada? The dimmer is cULus approved, ISED Canada (ICES-003) compliant, and rated for 0–40 °C indoors. It communicates via Clear Connect Type X with reliable range of 22.8 m (75 ft) to the processor, and works best with two powered neighbours within 7.6 m (25 ft).
Quick Fix: Stop LED Flicker in 5 Steps
- Confirm bulbs on Lutron’s compatibility list
- Switch to correct phase (ELV → reverse; MLV → forward)
- Set low-end trim to a stable point using the light bar
- Verify neutral is present and properly connected
- Check EMI: separate drivers, tidy splices
Phase selection and trim are built into Sunnata PRO—no external programmer required.
Why LED Flicker Happens (and how Sunnata PRO solves it)
The problem. Many LED drivers need precise control signals. Traditional 2-wire dimmers can create voltage fluctuations that confuse electronic drivers, causing shimmer, dropout, or audible buzz.
The solution. Sunnata PRO requires a neutral, giving a stable reference for clean control signals. Paired with selectable phase (forward or reverse), it matches what your drivers expect.
Real-world proof from Simply Controlled. Across Canadian projects, we routinely cure:
- Retrofit downlights that used to flicker below ~40%
- Under-cabinet tape lighting that now fades-to-off smoothly
- Mixed halogen/LED circuits that finally dim uniformly
Who this dimmer is for
Canadian homeowners (Simply Controlled perspective)
- Renovating kitchens with mixed LED/halogen lighting
- Upgrading to smart lighting without tearing open walls
- Solving stubborn LED flicker issues
- Building new and want future-proof control
Designers & electricians
- Reliable specification with predictable results
- cULus + ISED for inspection confidence
- Neutral-wire architecture for stable low-wattage LED control
- Multi-location wiring with up to 4 companions per circuit
Key features: built for Canadian installations
Neutral-required architecture
Benefit: Fewer mystery flicker calls with modern LEDs.
How: Requires a neutral, giving the electronics a steady reference.
Phase-selectable control
Benefit: Works with ELV and MLV systems.
How: Ships in reverse-phase (ideal for many ELV/LED drivers); easily switch to forward-phase for MLV.
Adjustable high/low-end trim
Benefit: Deeper, smoother fades without dropout.
How: Use the light bar to set the minimum; save to lock stability.
Canadian environment rating
Benefit: Reliable operation through winter.
How: Rated 0–40 °C at 0–90% RH (non-condensing).
Load capacities & installation guidelines
Single-gang capacity (standard install)
| Load type | Min | Max | Phase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED | 1 bulb | 250 W | Either | Derate in multi-gang boxes |
| Incandescent/Halogen | 10 W | 500 W | Either | Smooth performance |
| ELV (electronic) | 10 W | 500 W (halogen) | Reverse | Default setting |
| MLV (magnetic) | 10 W | 400 VA (~300 W) | Forward | Plan 70–85% of VA rating |
| Dimmable fluorescent | 1 ballast | 3.3 A (~400 VA) | Forward | No derating |
Multi-gang derating
- End positions: Derate LED to 200 W
- Middle positions: Derate LED to 150 W
- Box depth: 89 mm (3.5 in) recommended
Companion limits (multi-location)
- Maximum: 4 companions per master
- Wire run: total blue-lead length up to 45 m (150 ft)
- Placement: Master dimmer on the load side
Installation best practices (Canada)
Box requirements
- Depth: 89 mm (3.5 in) recommended
- Conductor: 2.1 mm² (14 AWG) solid copper minimum
- Connections: Tight, tidy neutral splices
ELV vs MLV decision guide
- ELV LED fixtures: Use reverse-phase (default)
- MLV transformers: Use forward-phase; plan 70–85% of VA
- Mixed loads: Test with actual fixtures during commissioning
Retrofit considerations (Simply Controlled)
- Verify neutral in existing boxes
- If no neutral: Modify wiring or use a different control at that location
- Label: Note final phase & trim settings for future service
New construction
- Home-run neutrals to all switch locations
- Plan RF keypads at entries (reduce wall clutter)
- Processor within 22.8 m (75 ft); two neighbours within 7.6 m (25 ft)
Programming & commissioning
Device-level settings
- Phase mode: Set per circuit
- Low-end trim: Adjust individually on the light bar
- Fade rates: Faster for kitchens; slower for bedrooms
Scene programming (Simply Controlled)
- Preset scenes: Welcome, Dinner, Movie, All Off
- MyLevel changes: Document final values (system can overwrite locals)
- Room-specific: Align CCT and brightness with tasks
Clear Connect network
- Range: Device within 22.8 m (75 ft) of processor
- Mesh: Two powered neighbours within 7.6 m (25 ft)
- Coexistence: ICES-003 compliant
Perfect pairings for Canadian homes
- Lotus Dim-to-Warm 4″ Recessed — reverse-phase + low-end trim for candlelight ambience. → See product
- 5-CCT slim downlights — Focus 4000 K (kitchen), Relax 2700 K (bedrooms).
- Sunnata 4-Button Hybrid Keypad — engrave Welcome / Dinner / Movie / All Off. → Add scene control
- RadioRA3 Processor Kit — the system brain. → Full system details
Canadian pricing & project scopes
- Single-room flicker fix (1–3 circuits): $650–$1,100 parts + $350–$700 labour
- Kitchen/Great Room (6–10 circuits): $2,200–$4,200 parts + $1,200–$2,000 labour
- Whole-home (25–60+ circuits): $9,000–$25,000+ installed
Ranges reflect Canadian pricing, finish options, and any drywall/box re-work. We provide fixed quotes after a quick load audit.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sunnata PRO need a neutral wire?
Yes—required for all load types. If your box lacks a neutral, we’ll propose wiring adjustments or a different control at that location.
ELV vs MLV—how do I choose phase mode?
Reverse-phase for most ELV/electronic drivers; forward-phase for MLV/magnetic transformers. Sunnata PRO ships reverse by default.
Do I need a RadioRA3 processor for one dimmer?
Local dimming works, but app/voice control and whole-home scenes require the RA3 processor. Keep devices within 22.8 m (75 ft).
What are the real load limits?
Single-gang: up to 250 W LED, 500 W incandescent/halogen/ELV, or 400 VA (~300 W) MLV. Multi-gang derates LED to 200 W (end) and 150 W (middle).
DIY or electrician? Permits?
Best done by a licensed electrician. Permits vary by province (ESA-Ontario, Technical Safety BC, municipal AHJs). We advise and document.
Winter performance?
Rated 0–40 °C and 0–90% RH (non-condensing)—ideal for heated interiors. Keep controls indoors for garages/semi-conditioned spaces.
Wi-Fi interference?
Clear Connect Type X coexists well and is ISED (ICES-003) compliant.
Ready for flicker-free lighting?
Stop struggling with LED flicker. Lutron RA3 Sunnata PRO delivers smooth, reliable control—backed by Simply Controlled installation and support.
Book a Simply Controlled consult—includes load audit, LED compatibility testing, phase/trim plan, and keypad engraving suggestions.
See Smart Lighting Installation · RadioRA3 Processor Kit · Sunnata 4-Button Hybrid Keypad
This guide reflects Simply Controlled’s Canadian installation experience. Provincial codes and permits vary (ESA-Ontario, TSBC, municipal). Always follow the Canadian Electrical Code as adopted locally and use a licensed electrician.
