Dimmer switch and low energy bulbs?

[flobadob]

I've heard that you cannot use a dimmer switch with low energy bulbs. However I'm wondering does this mean that basically the dimmer switch will have no effect on the bulbs and that they remain on full brightness regardless of the dimmer switch position or is it actually dangerous to do it. Anyone know whats what?

[mollykins]

http://www.theanswerb...y/Question974257.html similar question.

[Buenchico]

I've never tried using 'bog standard' low energy bulbs with dimmers but I'd assume that attempting to dim the bulb from maximum would initially produce a slight (if any) lowering of the brightness but then, when a critical cut-off voltage was reached, the bulb would simply go out.

However you can now buy dimmable low energy bulbs anyway. They're more expensive than the ordinary ones but, as they're now becoming more widely available, prices will probably start to drop:
http://www.energybulb.../Dimmable+Light+Bulbs

Chris

[flobadob]

Thanks molly but it doesn't seem to be clear what the situation is when low energy bulbs are connected to a dimmer switch. I'm just trying to work out whether they just don't work properly, don't work at all or lead to a dangerous situation.

[gingejbee]

There are a number of different types of dimmer switches. A lamp’s suitability for use with dimmers, or with some types of dimmer, should be mentioned on the box.

- from Which?

[Buenchico]

Flobadob:
I can confidently state that attempting to use an ordinary low energy bulb would not be dangerous. The load on the circuit would not be great enough to produce a risk of fire (or of any other hazard, such as explosion).

Additionally, if there was any significant risk you can be sure that it would be printed in BIG letters on the boxes that the bulbs come in. (Manufacturers would take extreme care to ensure that they couldn't be sued by someone who tried to use one of their bulbs in a dimmed circuit).

Chris

[flobadob]

Buen, I've got a load of Philips low energy lying around and we're gonna change the light in the living room, where I've got a dimmer switch fitted. I might just try them in the current light to see what happen but I'm worried it could be dangerous.

[Rasman]

Don't think it's dangerous, but no, they don't work with dimmers on account they're florescent and require a set voltage.
If you attempt to dim it will flicker and drive you mad before it dies - quite quickly.
In an emergency you can use a low energy bulb if you leave it turned up to full power (defeating the object) but it'll still blow after a month or so.
..In my experience.

[flobadob]

So the bulbs do actually be destroyed then?

[Rasman]

When I experimented, it simply stopped working. Nothing dramatic.

[flobadob]

I think I'll give it a whirl.

[bushbaby_de]

We tried it and they flickered constantly - enough to give you an epileptic fit in about 10 minutes flat!

[AlBags]

Yes .. they don't work.
Dimming Fluorescent's and LED's is very difficult.
Dimming halogens is a lot easier with transistorised dimmers.