energy saving light bulbs compatible with dimmer switches?
Hi people. A few of my light bulbs burned out so I was researching online about getting new replacement bulbs. After finding this site, I’m thinking what the heck, lets just update all my lights in the house to these new compact fluorescent bulbs. I mean if these energy saving light bulbs save 70% more power and save on the electric bill, it would be foolish not to. However, I have read that some compact fluorescent bulbs do not work right with dimmers. I have a dimmer light in my fan ceiling in my living room. That’s actually the most used light in the house so I would like to make it energy saving. But if cf bulbs dont work with dimmers, what can I do? Is there a certain kind of compact fluorescent bulb I can use with dimmers? Also where can I buy them? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Yes you can use energy saving bulbs with dimmers. You just have to get special ones. Most CF bulbs you find in the store wont support dimmers. I bought mine online from
. Just do a search for CF blulbs and dimmers.
BulbAmerica.com
I know of no energy saving bulbs that will work with dimmers, they all require full voltage.
There are a few tube tube type fluorescent bulbs that will work with a dimmer, but they require a special ballast and I understand they are very expensive.
Today I purchased a few LED, 40w bulbs and they also caution against using dimmer switches.
To set your mind at ease, and avoid confusion, just go to these home improvement stores and read the warnings on the package.
There are no dimmers that work with these cfl’s or similar bulbs, and as far as those made after certain years, bull.
Since last fall, I have converted every fixture in my house with these bulbs, except those controlled by dimmers, both digitl and analog, and even the LED bulbs are not supposed to be used with dimmers.
All CFL’s are powered by some sort ofr ballast, and if not supplied with full voltage they can overheat and start fires.
There are some problems associated with dimming Fluorescents. Unless you buy a dimmer designed for them there is a good chance you will have an issue with them. A lot of manufacturers say you can dim their bulbs on any dimmer made after 1995 but that is not fully the case. Most will not work well on digital dimmers. They respond better to analog type ( the old slide ones ). Even then there may be problems. Most dimmers do not recognize the low amount of wattage that they use to function. Unless you are putting a bunch in series for one dimmer they may not work well. Also they require a full load at first start for an hour or so before you can dim them. Restarting them also requires them to be at full power. These issues are trying to be worked out between the bulb producers and dimmer manufacturers. Still a work in progress so if you decide to invest in a dimmable fluorescent go consult with a Lighting Specialist to make sure your needs will be met. This is not off the shelf technology yet.
There are two ways to solve your problem:
- Buy a dimmer switch that is compatible with regular compact fluorescent bulbs
- Buy dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs that are compatible with a regular dimmer switch.
You should be able to get either of these at any lighting supply store or building center that has a decent lighting section. Also, the page below links to pages where you can buy them online.