Dimmer switchs energy saving bulbs

[tali1]

Am i correct in assuming that v few Dimmer switchs work with energy saving light bulbs?

[NazNomad]

Lots of my lights have dimmer switches. Can I fit them with energy saving bulbs?

Most energy saving bulbs aren't fully compatible with dimmer switch circuits at the moment. A standard dimmer switch will simply make the bulb flicker: annoying for you and not good for your bulb.

The Osram Dulux El Dim is currently the only fully dimmable energy saving bulb. However, there are plans for more to be developed later this year.

There are also energy saving bulbs that can be used with 'staged dimming'. This requires a special sort of dimmer with three separate settings - high, low and off.

http://www.energysavi...ently-asked-questions

[scotman]

I use some Philips EcoClassic30 type which are dimmable with 'normal' dimmers. These are not really energy saving as they are still 70% of the power of filament lamps

[deggers316]

who the hell wants to "dim a low energy bulb" you can hardly see to read with them on full!

[mccfluff]

sorry not an answer but just wanted to mention asda are selling them for 40p at the mo as i discovered yesterday - bargain!

[gina32]

like you deggers i used to think they were rubbish but i find they are very bright even more so thant usual ones

[buildersmate]

Philips EcoClassic30 use halogen filaments, not fluorescent. This is why they can be dimmed. Halogen bulbs are more efficient than std old incandescent, but not as efficient as fluorescent.