Energy-saving bulbs.

[Aquagility]

We are constantly warned that energy-saving light bulbs cannot be used with dimmer switches.
But what happens if they are? Do they blow up,burn out, or do they just not light up at all?
And when incandescent bulbs are phased out, will we have to replace all our dimmer switches?

[Gizmonster]

I have low-energy bulbs in my dimmer switched lights.

I try not to turn the dimmer switch down - all that happens is that they flash on and off and it's very annoying ........

I haven't had any blow up or burn out yet - it's just that you can't dim the lights cos they flash on and off - well this is my experience of them anyway.

[stoofur]

The light just flickers on and off.It does not dim at all.

[pug100]

They won't blow up but you may well shorten their lifespan if you try to use standard cfl lamps with a dimmer. See here third point under design & application

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cfl_bulb#Design_a nd_application_issues

[Aquagility]

Many thanks to you all. With mainly dimmer-controlles wall sconces, I think I'd better lay in a good stock of conventional bulbs!

[LCDMAN]

You can buy dimmable energy saving bulbs.

http://www.megamanuk.com/

They are expensive at the moment (�11-�18 or more) but as they become popular the price will come down.

[Disco Fever]

I can't fault Megaman lamps as I use them all the time....

[buildersmate]

Agree with LCDMAN - the price of these things will come down - much investment is going into their development right now - the market potential is massive for the company that finds the best solution for incandescents.
In the case of low voltage halogen lights, a high efficiency alternative based on LED technology will undoubtedly emerge also.
I have elected to maintain a stock of about 2 years - by which time I reckon the issue will be sorted.

[beso]

I have heard rumors of a possible breakthrough in LEDs but the current technology is still woeful compared to gas discharge type lights. They only perform similarly to halogen lamps.

Hopefully we will see a rise of Cold Cathode Fluorescent technology which is the most practical. They can be dimmed without affecting their lifespan and are more efficient than anything else that can produce a white light. They are generally used in scanners.

The only thing that might come against them is that they last many times longer than any other technology.