Dimmable Light Bulb

[237SJ]

I need a dimmable lightbulb with a bayonet mount. The shade says max 60W (in old money) so I`m presuming that if I can find a low wattage one that is higher than the 60W equivalent. Is that right?

[woofgang]

yup, I have just done this. The only hook may be that if your dimmer switch is an old one, the light may flicker when dimmed....you won’t know until you try.

[ubasses]

If you scroll halfway down this link there is a chart that converts 60w to the 3 alternative types of bulb you can buy.
http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/light-bulbs/article/five-tips-for-choosing-the-right-light-bulb

[237SJ]

Thanks. Yes, the previous bulb used to flicker when dimmed but I'm not bothered about that because I only ever used it on full strength.

[woofgang]

oh and its important to think about light temperature as well as lumens. here is a useful website..it looks a bit complicated (well it did to me) but its worth working through.
https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/energy-saving-light-bulbs.html

[237SJ]

Thanks for the further replies. I`m not too bothered about colour temperature as I mostly use lamps rather than the overhead bulbs. I looked up at the light the other day and thought it was about time I changed the bulb to an energy saving one and the very next day, the bulb blew. There used to be a fantastic lighting shop here but the guy closed it because he got fed up with people asking his advice and then going home and buying off the internet. I`m a bit limited as I want one now and have only Sains and Homebase around here.

[Sipowicz]

If you only ever use it on full strength, why do you need a dimmable bulb?

[237SJ]

Because it's connected to a dimmer switch

[woofgang]

you will be bothered if you get the wrong colour light. I rarely use the overheads either but bought some that were a very cold colour and they made the room look like a prison cell.

[Old_Geezer]

You are asking about wattage information given by the light shade rather than the light fitting. The shade manufacturer will be concerned about the heat the shade gets and as these new efficient lamps run cooler then, at your own risk, you should be able to put in a higher wattage equivalent lamp without issue.

[Old_Geezer]

PS I thought that the new efficient bulbs needed special dimmers and that only some were dimmable ? Might be worth changing the switch.

[woofgang]

OG I have got new bulbs that work with my old dimmers. Most new bulbs will work with most old dimmer switches if you leave the dimmer on high and don’t attempt to dim them and if you do attempt to dim them then the most common problem is flicker. IMO its worth a try before getting new switches.

[gingejbee]

Personally, I wouldn't bother getting dimmable lamps (they're NOT bulbs according to an electrician friend!)...even if you have a dimmer switch. If you don't want to dim the lamp, just get an LED lamp rated at 8 to 10 watt (giving around 900 lumens light output).

[ivor4781]

replace your dimmer switch if you dont use it dimming facility only a couple of quid from wilkos,dimming bulbs are a bit more expensive

[237SJ]

I bought a couple of LED lights yesterday - they are fantastic. The dimmable one works perfectly. Tomorrow`s mission is go get rid of all of the old generation low wattage bulbs in the house and replace them with LEDs