Can a Dimmer Be Used With CFI Bulbs?
The compact fluorescent bulb, known as a CFL, is now a ubiquitous commodity around the home. It uses 1/3 the energy of an incandescent bulb (P.A.T.H.) and lasts an average of 10 times as long. The big question is: Can I still use my dimmer? Does this Spark an idea?
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Dimmer Function
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A dimmer switch works by changing the way the electric current reaches a light bulb; it creates pulses, or intervals, of power.
Incandescent Bulbs
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An incandescent bulb creates light with heat, so using a dimmer results in slightly less heat.
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Fluorescent Bulbs
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The CFL relies on chemistry and electronics to produce light. The tube is coated with a special white paint and contains a gas that produces ultraviolet light when heated. When the heated gas meets the coating in the tube, the light becomes visible.
Dimmers and Fluorescent Bulbs
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Because the dimmer cycles electricity so quickly, the eye cannot tell what is happening when an incandescent bulb is dimmed. When that same circuit is applied to a CFL, the life of the bulb will be shortened, and the bulb may become a fire hazard.
Compromises
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There are special bulbs designed to work with dimmers, but the effect is not the same as an incandescent. The CFL will only dim to about 20% of its rated wattage before it turns off, and the harshness of fluorescent light is not diminished by dimming.
Solution
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Check the packaging of any bulb intended for use with a dimmer. It must specifically state that it is suitable for that use.
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