How to Use Non-Dimmable Bulbs With a Dimmer Switch
Using a dimmer switch enables you to set the mood of a room by varying its lighting. Also known as a rheostat, a dimmer switch limits electric current passing through a light bulb by increasing the resistance on the light's circuit. As resistance increases, the voltage or current will change. Since household current ticks along at about 110 volts, increased resistance in the dimmer means less current travels to the bulb. Regardless of their size or rating, all light bulbs are "dimmable." Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Put the non-dimmable bulb into the socket of a lamp controlled by the dimmer switch. Do this by screwing the bulb into one of the available receptacles on the lamp.
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Turn the dimmer switch until the light is at full brightness. You can leave the light bulb on at this setting indefinitely and it should last as long as indicated on its packaging.
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Dim the lights with the dimmer switch to decreased current flow through the light bulb. This causes the bulb to glow more softly and produces less illumination. This will not harm the bulb.
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References
- Photo Credit candle light stromspar glühlampe image by kernel from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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willhodges1
Oct 08, 2010
There are however very expensive dimmers that change the hertz of the circuit. This will work on all lights and bulbs since it is only changing the speed of the power, and not the amount or intensity. If you are fast, you may even be able to see it flicker, lol. -
willhodges1
Oct 08, 2010
Correction. Not all bulbs are dimmable, only those that do not require a ballast or transformer. If your light is rated at 60 watts and and the rheostat changes the resistance of the series circuit, then by OHM's law the voltage will change, refered to as voltage drop. When incorrect voltage is applied to electrical equipment, it burns out. Please if you are going to make assertions to a field like electricity, make sure you know what you are talking about. I don't need another "harry homeowner" putting my life in danger.
