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Compact fluorescent bulbs used to be all or nothing. They couldn't be dimmed. Most cfl lamps (bulbs) are this kind. However, special cfl bulbs are now being marketed, at a higher price, that can be dimmed by a normal dimmer switch previously used for incandescent bulbs. However, not all dimmer switches work with these newer dimmable cfl lamps.

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Why does a dimmable eco bulb not dim when controlled from a dimmer switch?

The bulb must be labeled as dimmable. If the bulb is an LED for example there is a circuit that transforms the 120 AC supply voltage to a DC voltage. This circuit needs to be able to supply a DC voltage proportional to the voltage required to operate the LEDs. In a dimmable bulb you might be powering the multiple LEDs selectively to achieve dimming rather than just reducing voltage to all LEDs over a very small voltage range in which an LED operates.


Can you use a dimmer switch with A19 incandescent bulbs?

Be it a tungsten or LED A19 bulb, both are usable with a dimmer switch. However LED bulbs require special dimmers to work correctly. Normal dimmers, those used for regular tungsten (incandescent) bulbs, use the resistive load of the bulb to allow dimming. Most LED bulbs require other methods to dim the bulb. One stop gap fix to use a regular dimmer is to add a small wattage bulb to the LED bulb circuit. That adds a resistive load to fool the older dimmer. The best option for dimmable LEDs is to ensure you have a dimmer that specifically states it works with dimmable LEDs.


Will it damage a compact fluorescent bulb if one has a dimmer switch but keeps the dimmer set as high as possible?

Fluorescent bulbs can't be dimmed. It takes a certain amount of electricity to get them to come on. Probably about half way on the switch. As long as it has that much it should light. The switch however doesn't like it and will burn out quicker than with regular bulbs. The bulb doesn't care, it is either lit or not. Thanks. I just went ahead and installed a standard light switch. Everything is working fine and energy efficient. ~ CheeseKing


Can energy save bulb be used with any dimmer?

Compact florescent do not dim. They are all or nothing. You can use them where you have a dimmer switch. They will come on from about half way to full on. Dimmer switches don't like them and the switch will burn out faster.


Can a dimmer be used with the 120 volt lighting fixture with a 230 volt bulb?

Yes, but a fact has to be taken into account that when a 230 volt rated bulb is used on a 120 volt system the wattage output is half of what the 230 volt bulb is rated at when it operates on 230 volt. So the dimmer will only be used to control half of the bulbs wattage which could bring the bulb down to a dull glow in full dimming position.

Related Questions

Why does a dimmable eco bulb not dim when controlled from a dimmer switch?

The bulb must be labeled as dimmable. If the bulb is an LED for example there is a circuit that transforms the 120 AC supply voltage to a DC voltage. This circuit needs to be able to supply a DC voltage proportional to the voltage required to operate the LEDs. In a dimmable bulb you might be powering the multiple LEDs selectively to achieve dimming rather than just reducing voltage to all LEDs over a very small voltage range in which an LED operates.


Can you use a dimmer switch with A19 incandescent bulbs?

Be it a tungsten or LED A19 bulb, both are usable with a dimmer switch. However LED bulbs require special dimmers to work correctly. Normal dimmers, those used for regular tungsten (incandescent) bulbs, use the resistive load of the bulb to allow dimming. Most LED bulbs require other methods to dim the bulb. One stop gap fix to use a regular dimmer is to add a small wattage bulb to the LED bulb circuit. That adds a resistive load to fool the older dimmer. The best option for dimmable LEDs is to ensure you have a dimmer that specifically states it works with dimmable LEDs.


Are LED lights dimmable?

Yes, LED lights can be dimmable, but not all of them are. To dim an LED light, it must be labeled as "dimmable" and used with a compatible dimmer switch. Using the wrong dimmer or a non-dimmable LED can cause flickering or poor performance.


Is it possible for any light to be dimmable?

Yes, it is possible for most types of light sources to be dimmable, as long as they are designed with dimming capabilities or used with compatible dimmer switches.


Are all light fixtures dimmable?

Not all light fixtures are dimmable. Some fixtures are designed to be used with dimmer switches, while others are not compatible with dimming capabilities. It is important to check the specifications of the light fixture to determine if it is dimmable or not.


Why are my dimmable lights flickering?

Dimmable lights may flicker due to incompatible dimmer switches, low-quality bulbs, or loose connections. It is important to ensure that the dimmer switch is compatible with the bulbs being used and that all connections are secure to prevent flickering.


Why can't you dim fluorescent light bulbs?

Some fluorescent lamps (bulbs) can be dimmed, but they must be designed to be dimmable. The ballasts and electronics that drive the bulb have to be designed to work with a dimmer or they will not function properly and may overheat. When dimming fluorescent bulbs, many can't be faded smoothly from full to zero. Some will only go to a minimum like 5-20%. A dimmable compact fluorescent lamp will be labelled as being dimmble and can be connected to an ordinary dimmer. For tubes, the ballast has to be specailly designed to be dimmable.


What are the best dimmable LED light bulb options for MR16 fixtures?

The best dimmable LED light bulb options for MR16 fixtures are those that are compatible with the specific dimmer switch being used and provide the desired brightness and color temperature. It is recommended to look for bulbs that are Energy Star certified and have a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) for better color accuracy. Some popular brands to consider are Philips, Cree, and GE.


What is a dimmable light bulb and how does it differ from a regular light bulb in terms of functionality and usage?

A dimmable light bulb is a type of bulb that can be adjusted to emit varying levels of brightness. This differs from a regular light bulb, which typically only has one brightness setting. Dimmable bulbs offer more flexibility in lighting options and can help create different atmospheres in a room. They are often used in settings where adjustable lighting is desired, such as in dining rooms, bedrooms, or living rooms.


Will it damage a compact fluorescent bulb if one has a dimmer switch but keeps the dimmer set as high as possible?

Fluorescent bulbs can't be dimmed. It takes a certain amount of electricity to get them to come on. Probably about half way on the switch. As long as it has that much it should light. The switch however doesn't like it and will burn out quicker than with regular bulbs. The bulb doesn't care, it is either lit or not. Thanks. I just went ahead and installed a standard light switch. Everything is working fine and energy efficient. ~ CheeseKing


What piece of electrical apparatus is used to change the brightness of a light bulb?

That is called a rheostat or a dimmer.


Can a fluorescent light fixture be hooked up to a dimmer?

Yes. It depends on the fixture. If the bulb runs at line voltage (i.e. without a transformer), then yes. If it's a low voltage halogen bulb, such as a 12 volt running off of a transformer, then you'll need to find out if the transformer is dimmable.