CFL dimmers

[Ron E. Perkerewicz]

How do you tell if the dimmers on CFL bulbs are the new "approved for CFL" bulbs type of dimmer without removing the switch plate ? thanks for ANY input on the CFL dimmer issue

[Speedy Petey]

Most dimmable CFLs I have seen used standard incadescent dimmers.

[Jeffrey R. Wicklander]

It's the CFL itself that is supposed to be dimmer friendly. They have a different type of ballast than the typical CFL that is built in, hence, the higher cost. In commercial applications, you will see that an entirely different type of dimmer is associated with the flourescent fixtures.

Jeff

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Most dimmable CFLs I have seen used standard incadescent dimmers.

That's how I see them most often - "dimmable CFL's" rather than a different dimmer switch.

Standard CFL bulbs are not compatible with any dimmer. . .

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by jpope

That's how I see them most often - "dimmable CFL's" rather than a different dimmer switch.

Most CFL bulbs are not compatible with any dimmer. . .

And the one's that are dimmable are not cheap

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by mlarson

And the one's that are dimmable are not cheap

Also, the one's that are dimmable really SUCK! Save you money until the technology gets a little more age on it. Even the good brands are absolutely terrible at the moment.

[Bob Elliott]

I am suprised the LED's, are not finding more of a nich, concidering the CFL problems.

[Greg Fretwell]

Home Depot had a dimmable CFL 65w equivilent PAR lamp on sale the other day for $7 so I am giving it a test drive.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

Home Depot had a dimmable CFL 65w equivilent PAR lamp on sale the other day for $7 so I am giving it a test drive.

Send the 7 bucks to a charity, and just let me tell you they suck.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by relliott

I am suprised the LED's, are not finding more of a nich, concidering the CFL problems.

They are, but slowly. The density of LED's needed to acheive the illumination levels approaching that of typical incandescent lamps makes them prohibitively expensive. LED lamps are a popular replacement for the 7 watt incandescent lamps in exit signs, but they're 20 bucks a pop. Imagine what a 100 watt LED equivalent would cost? There are LED undercabinet lights now on the market within the last few months.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

They are, but slowly. The density of LED's needed to acheive the illumination levels approaching that of typical incandescent lamps makes them prohibitively expensive. LED lamps are a popular replacement for the 7 watt incandescent lamps in exit signs, but they're 20 bucks a pop. Imagine what a 100 watt LED equivalent would cost? There are LED undercabinet lights now on the market within the last few months.

Actualy there is no reason for such high prices.

You can buy big box fulls of LEDS through China right now.(for peanuts)

It may have something to do with the market for them , but they are not expensive or difficult to produce.

I have done a lot of experimenting with them myself, and agree they need to be a little better in transmitting light over distance , but it is not something which should be out of reach.

(I used to own a Neon Shop, is why I know a little).

[Ron E. Perkerewicz]

I appreciate the replys and I am in agreement with all of you but, I was at an electrical wholesale distribution store yesterday (in a hurry and could not ask a salesman) but they had a display at the counter for a new dimmer that stated on the sign that it was compatible with all lights including CFL's. I guess I will try to get back there and find out more info.

[Greg Fretwell]

Marc, it lights up, what should I expect this bulb to do?
Early end of life, or will it explode and kill everyone on the block

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

Marc, it lights up, what should I expect this bulb to do?

Um... maybe dim? Have you tried it on a dimmer? They suck at it.