Only some CFL bulbs are dimmable . The package or bulb should say if it’s dimmable and tell you which dimmer switches are compatible. You may get varying results with different CFLs and their compatible dimmers. ... Now you could be lucky and your standard incandescent/halogen dimmer will work with your CFLs as well.
Are CFL lights dimmable?
Q: Are all CFL bulbs dimmable? A: No. The majority of CFL bulbs sold today are not dimmable . A CFL bulb that cannot be used on a dimmer will have the statement “not for use with dimmers” or “do not use with dimmers” marked directly on the bulb.
How can you tell if a CFL is dimmable?
CFL (Compact Fluorescent)
CFL light bulbs fit in the same space as a typical residential light bulb, but usually have a spiral or U-shaped glass tube that is illuminated. Most CFL bulbs are not dimmable, but of those that are, they generally have a narrower dimming range as compared to LED or incandescent bulbs.
Do CFL get dimmer over time?
Another reason you need more lumens is that a CFL will dim over time . It will lose 20 to 25 percent lumen power after 4,000 hours (40 percent of a CFL’s 10,000-hour-rated life). Incandescent bulbs also lose lumens, but the life of these bulbs is extremely short compared with that of CFLs.
Can I put a dimmer on fluorescent lights?
It is possible to use wall dimmers for both fluorescent and CFL bulbs, but each requires a different approach and special hardware. ... However, altering fluorescent lighting is not as simple as just changing the switch, such as with incandescent bulbs. A special fixture and compatible dimming control are necessary.
How can you tell if a lamp is dimmable?
Check The Light Bulb
Check if the light bulb you are about to use is dimmable. Dimmable light bulbs work fine on a non-dimmable circuit; however, non-dimmable light bulbs will not work on a dimmable circuit.
What happens when you put a non-dimmable bulb on a dimmer switch?
If you install a non-dimming LED bulb in a circuit with a dimming switch, it will likely operate normally if the dimmer is at its 100% or fully on . Dimming the bulb, will likely cause erratic behavior such as flickering or buzzing and ultimately may cause damage to the bulb.
Can you use dimmable bulbs in non-dimmable lights?
The short answer to this question is: Yes , you can use dimmable LEDs without a dimmer switch, just like normal light bulbs. This is handy to know because many retailers are reducing the number of non-dimmable LED bulbs that they stock.
Are CFL bulbs safe?
Generally, CFL bulbs are energy-efficient and safe as long as you use them as directed . The truth of the matter is that while there are different types of fluorescent bulbs on the market, they all contain mercury vapor.
Is every LED light dimmable?
In most cases, all models of LED bulbs are available in a dimmable version . But they are not always standard dimmable. Make sure the product name or specifications mention ‘dimmable’. This way you can be sure that the LED bulb is dimmable.
How long can you leave a CFL on?
CFLs use about 75 percent less energy, plus each bulb can last up to 10,000 hours if used correctly. Super energy efficient CFLs, they use about 75 percent less energy than regular incandescent bulbs, and each bulb can last up to 10,000 hours if used correctly.
Does CFL need ballast?
All compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs require a ballast , which is often integrated. All HID bulbs require a ballast, which is sometimes integrated. No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. ... Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast.
When Should CFL be replaced?
On average, a CFL will last approximately 8,000 hours . An equivalent LED lasts as much as 25,000 hours – sometimes even more. When you replace CFL with LED bulbs, you’re dramatically reducing the cost of replacement lamps as well as maintenance time and fees.
Are LED fluorescent lights dimmable?
FYI, fluorescent lights do not dim well at all . ... Furthermore, it takes the correct type of dimmer switch, like those made for incandescent or led lights won’t work with fluorescent lights and a fluorescent light fixture that’s rated for dimming.
Are CFL bulbs fluorescent?
CFL’s are a type of fluorescent lamps . This means that the pass electricity through a gas, which becomes charged and emits light. ... But that UV light excites (energizes) a fluorescent coating (called a phosphor) on the inside of the tube, which then emits the visible light that you see.
Are T5 lights dimmable?
It is possible to dim T5 lamps with dimming ballasts . In the United States, several dimming ballasts for T5 high output (T5 HO) lamps are available. ... The manufacturers claim that these ballasts can dim from 100% to 1% of full light output.
