Dimmer Switch, Energy Saving Light Bulbs

PCMLR · 10-10-2010, 09:43 PM

I have been replacing all my light bulbs with the spiral shaped, long life, energy saving bulbs. The biggest advantage so far is that they don't emit heat the way traditional bulbs do. The only problem is that the dimmer switch doesn't work with these bulbs, they flicker and make a slight sound. Does the design of this type of bulb preclude the use of a dimmer? Is there a particular sub type of this bulb to be used with a dimmer? Thanks for your input.

gregzoll · 10-10-2010, 09:52 PM

You need to get the ones that are mark for dimmer use.

secutanudu · 10-10-2010, 11:35 PM

Yes, you need dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's). They are harder to find, and more expensive than normal CFLs.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...LAID=109399125

Red Squirrel · 10-11-2010, 01:45 AM

Also avoid dimming the non dimmable ones as it is very bad for them.

The hospital I work at is always trying to save money but they'll miss a key element making it cost more. One of these cost saving things is they decided to change all the bulbs in the lecture theatre to CFLs, about 50 of em. But to save money they left the dimmer and just put a label that says to not dim them. Nobody listens there. So far they've had to change every single bulb, twice. They still did not change the switches. Kinda funny, actually.

PCMLR · 10-11-2010, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Squirrel

Also avoid dimming the non dimmable ones as it is very bad for them.

The hospital I work at is always trying to save money but they'll miss a key element making it cost more. One of these cost saving things is they decided to change all the bulbs in the lecture theatre to CFLs, about 50 of em. But to save money they left the dimmer and just put a label that says to not dim them. Nobody listens there. So far they've had to change every single bulb, twice. They still did not change the switches. Kinda funny, actually.

I am no longer amazed by penny-wise/pound-foolishness...forget about the left hand not knowing what the right is doing, the left hand doesn't even know there IS a right hand!

liquidvw · 10-11-2010, 11:03 AM

Also, the CFL's that you can dim are not that great. They don't dim all that much. IMO, not worth the extra money.

PCMLR · 10-11-2010, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liquidvw

Also, the CFL's that you can dim are not that great. They don't dim all that much. IMO, not worth the extra money.

I was thinking the same thing. Since these bulbs are pricey, I stock up when they are on clearance. Believe it or not, I frequently catch them on clearance at chain drug stores. I recently picked up GE Soft White CFL's at 75% off, or $2.50 for a two pack. I cleaned them out!