Dimmable - energy saving bulbs
Dimmable - energy saving bulbs
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Discussion

Mojooo

Original Poster:

13,260 posts

198 months

Monday 15th February 2010
quotequote all
Hi

We only have 1 light in our house that is using the old type lightbulb - the rest are the 'enegry saving' type

This one switch is a dimmable switch - though i understand that you can now get dimmable nergy savers.

Anyone know how they work in practice? are they as good as older style bulbs or do they have any annoying side effects?

hairyben

8,516 posts

201 months

Monday 15th February 2010
quotequote all
Generally problematic in my experience, although they *might* have improved since I threw £200 worth in the bin 2 years ago.

The problem is a normal dimmer will have a minimum load rating of 40 or 60 watts, varilux now make a 20w dimmer module for use with dimmable energy savers which I've never tried, strikes me you might as well just buy a "switch dimmable" energy saver and fit a switch. the 20w dimmer module will probably fail if overloaded, eg by wopping a 60w lamp back in.

(switch dimmable- turn off then on - lamp cycles up and down - turn off then on and lamp then "holds" this level.)

pc.iow

1,879 posts

221 months

Monday 15th February 2010
quotequote all
As HairyBen said,they are pants at,well dimming.
Only give about 10% range in light change.

Mojooo

Original Poster:

13,260 posts

198 months

Monday 15th February 2010
quotequote all
i think 2 years is a long time for this kinda technology

oh well!

pc.iow

1,879 posts

221 months

Monday 15th February 2010
quotequote all
These http://www.megamanuk.com/megaman-products/lamps/sk...
Are supposed to be up there with the best. (If you want any, make me an offer. have around 100 of the chuffing things!)
and these http://www.lutron.com/products/dimmers/?s=17000&am...
Are supposed to be there as well.

From what I understand, the gas in these bulbs need a certain amount of electricity to 'fire up’. The dimmers give the power gradually, meaning the bulbs don’t light up till you’re giving it 'all the beans'.
You can the turn them down ('bout 10% as I said earlier), then the bulb goes out.
We even tried a very expensive booster box from Lutron that did nothing except cost a lot of money.