[marcus118]

Basic/silly question but I'm confused over max wattage on dimmer switches and the man in the orange apron is no help :smile:

Basically I have a room with 9 recessed lights. They use 14w CFL dimmable bulbs. They're actually already on a dimmer switch, but don't dim. So I'm assuming the former homeowner put in the wrong kind of dimmer?

Anyway, so what is the max wattage dimmer switch then? 9x14= 126? I read somewhere for dimmable CFL bulbs to multiply what you have by 4 and that's the max wattage you need. So in my case 126x4=504?

Would appreciate any help!

thanks,
Marc

 

[dmxtothemax]

I read somewhere for dimmable CFL bulbs to multiply what you have by 4 and that's the max wattage you need. So in my case 126x4=504? Marc

where did you hear this old wife's tale ?
Quite wrong ! :vs_no_no_no:

Are you sure that they are dimmable CFL's ?

 

[ChiTownPro]

If they are dimmable bulbs they will dim on any dimmer, however they might hum or flicker. That's why you need a cfl/led dimmer.

 

[marcus118]

this is the bulb i have: http://bulbsandfixtures.com/browse/light/bulb/ecosmart/items/238/875/238875.html

 

[Oso954]

Pull the dimmer and check the model of it to see if it is an incandescent/halogen dimmer or a CFL/LED dimmer. If incandescent/halogen, I would replace it. Replacement also eliminates the possibility of a failed dimmer.

 

[twinklerai]

Many dimmable CFL bulbs don't work well with a standard incandescent dimmer. If that's your situation, don't blame the bulb. Standard dimmers were never designed to run CFL bulbs and can cause “drop-out”. Or the bulb won't light up on “dim” settings, forcing you to push the dimmer to full bright and then bring it down again.

Replacing a conventional dimmer with a CFL-compatible electronic dimmer switch will solve the problems. Lutron DVWCL-153PH Diva or Leviton No. 6673-10W are two models available at home centers. They're pricier than standard dimmers, and they only work with certain brands of CFLs. Just swap out your existing dimmer for one of these new models and dim the light fantastic.

 

[marcus118]

Many dimmable CFL bulbs don't work well with a standard incandescent dimmer. If that's your situation, don't blame the bulb. Standard dimmers were never designed to run CFL bulbs and can cause “drop-out”. Or the bulb won't light up on “dim” settings, forcing you to push the dimmer to full bright and then bring it down again.

Replacing a conventional dimmer with a CFL-compatible electronic dimmer switch will solve the problems. Lutron DVWCL-153PH Diva or Leviton No. 6673-10W are two models available at home centers. They're pricier than standard dimmers, and they only work with certain brands of CFLs. Just swap out your existing dimmer for one of these new models and dim the light fantastic.

thanks. so then does it matter how the dimmer is rated for max wattage?