Energy saving bulbs compatable with dimmer switches

[bobajob100]

It would appear that after a couple of energy saving bulbs have blown when using the dimmer witch that they are not compatable, is thee a way round this or have I to get rid of the dimmer switch

 

[Steve]

You can get dimmerable CFLs.

By the way you may have blown either the dimmer or the bulbs or both.

Google.

 

[bobajob100]

I had this problem in my sons bedroom with the dimmer switch and have since replaced it with a standard switch, the reason I was asking is I have a 26 foot lounge with two chandeliers with three 40 watt bulbs in each and as there are now small energy saving bulbs on the market I just checking before I replaced them. However if these new so called dimmer proof bulbs seems to be having problems also, and I presume would be expensive I think it will be the old ones staying, unless you know something better

 

[Steve]

Do you need dimmers? I mean, if you fit low wattage (3, 5 and 7 watt lamps are available) would you need to dim it?

http://ebulbshop.com/acatalog/3_Watt_Energy_Saver_Small_Bayonet_Fit_Candle_Lamp.html

other suppliers and brands available.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Didn't it say on the packaging and/or instructions that you couldn't use them on a dimmer switch?

 

[sparkyspike]

Do you need dimmers? I mean, if you fit low wattage (3, 5 and 7 watt lamps are available) would you need to dim it?

Or, if you intend to use normal lamps, then you will be using less energy by dimming them.

 

[bobajob100]

well no I did not look at the packaging as this was in the early days of energy bulbs and looking at the price of the dimmer compatable it would cost me £36 to replace the standard bulb and it would seem sensible to use the original bulbs and dim them down which wouldn't be a lot of difference to using an ESB, plus I'm sure I would not use that much to justify spending £36 on bulbs.

 

[sm1thson]

Or, if you intend to use normal lamps, then you will be using less energy by dimming them.

not by much. a bulb only emits light once there is already a whole load of current going through it. reducing the current through a bulb by a small amount reduces its light output by a large amount (or more to the point reducing the light output by a large amount reduces its energy consumption by a small amount)

I tested this on my dads 300W up lighter that he dims to save energy, he dimmed it down to I would say less than the level of a 40w bulb (or 7w cfl) and the light was still using 150W. dimmers don’t save much energy.

 

[bobajob100]

Well I think I have come to a conclusion with the information you have kindly given me. I believe that as we only use the main lighting for a short part of the evening for eating etc and the rest of the time when watching telly with a table lamp it would seem not a viable proposition spend £36 to change to ESB. I have ESB's in all the other lighting so i suppose I am 80% green
Thanks for all your help you all do a great job and I am now going to search for some kind soul to help with loft insulation problems and a Leaking tap