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If you use a non-dimmable Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) in a circuit controlled by a dimmer switch no damage will be done but the CFL will stay bright when the dimmer is turned down whilst any other normal incandescent lamps wired into the same circuit will go dim in the normal way.

Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Lamps are now available, for example in the Megaman range of CFLs. For more information see the Related Link shown below.

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Incandescent dimming uses any incandescent lamps and an incandescent dimmer.

To dim fluorescent lamps usually requires use of fluorescent dimmers AND fluorescent dimmable ballasts. If these two components do not match, dimming will not work.

The fluorescent lamps themselves are the same whether you put them in a standard (nondimming) ballast or a dimmable ballast.

If your dimmers are not dimming the CFLs they are either not fluorescent dimmers or, more likely, your ballast in the light fixture is not a dimmable ballast.

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Can an incondescent lamp dimmer be used to control a fluorescent lamp load?

No, incandescent lamp dimmers are not compatible with fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps require special dimming ballasts to control their light output. Attempting to use an incandescent lamp dimmer with a fluorescent lamp can cause damage to the lamp and dimmer.


Is there a dimmable CFL bulb that can be used with an electronic dimmer?

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.


Which dimmer switch to use with LED down lighters?

Look on the carton that the dimmer comes in. On the label there will be a list of lamp types that the dimmer can be used on along with the maximum wattage that the dimmer can control.


Can xenon lamps be used with a dimmer switch?

No, xenon lamps are not typically compatible with dimmer switches. Xenon lamps require a specific voltage to operate efficiently, and dimmer switches may not provide a constant level of voltage, which can lead to inconsistent lighting or may damage the lamp. It is recommended to use xenon lamps with standard on/off switches.


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.

Related Questions

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 &quot;dimmable&quot; 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.


Can an incondescent lamp dimmer be used to control a fluorescent lamp load?

No, incandescent lamp dimmers are not compatible with fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps require special dimming ballasts to control their light output. Attempting to use an incandescent lamp dimmer with a fluorescent lamp can cause damage to the lamp and dimmer.


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.


Is there a dimmable CFL bulb that can be used with an electronic dimmer?

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.


Why did your halogen lamp stop working when plugged into a dimmer switch on a cord?

It was not designed to be used with a dimmer switch. You must have a halogen designed for use with a dimmer or it will not work.


Which dimmer switch to use with LED down lighters?

Look on the carton that the dimmer comes in. On the label there will be a list of lamp types that the dimmer can be used on along with the maximum wattage that the dimmer can control.


Can xenon lamps be used with a dimmer switch?

No, xenon lamps are not typically compatible with dimmer switches. Xenon lamps require a specific voltage to operate efficiently, and dimmer switches may not provide a constant level of voltage, which can lead to inconsistent lighting or may damage the lamp. It is recommended to use xenon lamps with standard on/off switches.


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 dimmable bulbs be used in regular lights?

Yes, dimmable bulbs can be used in regular (non-dimmable) light fixtures, but they will operate at full brightness without dimming capabilities. Havells Lighting offers high-quality dimmable LED bulbs for various applications.