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Summary: How to select the proper bulb size for your light fixtures when installing a dimmer switch; follow these easy step by step instructions from an expert on electrical wiring in this free home improvement video.
Bill Whitton is a retired electrical contractor with a specialty in home remodeling. Other experience includes: Electrical and mechanical inspector for the Colorado Springs Airport...read more
"Now we are going to talk about the two factors concerning the bulb size. The first one is the maximum size of the bulb or number of bulbs you are going to use in this fixture. Your instructions will tell you that this device is good for 60 watts. In that case if you are using two bulbs in a fixture, each bulb should then be a 30 watt bulb. You should not use two 60 watt bulbs in a dimmer that is rated only at 60 watts. Also it will tell you the minimum size of the bulb that will cause the electronic circuit to work as a dimmer. If you use it smaller than that, the device will not work properly, will not have enough current flowing through it to dim the bulb. So the two things to remember are maximum bulb size for the total number of bulbs you are using and minimum bulb size for the amount of wattage it tells you it will take to make the dimmer to work properly. "
eHow Article: Bulb Size Options For Installing A Dimmer Switch