Dimmer switches and energy saving bulbs...

ElectroBlaster · 7 Sep 2010 at 15:28

I would like to fit two dimmer switches in a couple bedrooms and was told that they will not work with those energy saving flourescent bulbs that are all over the place now. Is this true because if it is then im a bit peeved off! I cant find the old style bulbs anywhere

Typical as these old bulbs are not being made anymore.

Bennie-Mac · 7 Sep 2010 at 15:30

Have you tried looking in say tesco or homebase? I bought some the other day from both.

Edit - http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wc...9318&c_3=3|cat_14418038|Standard/GLS|14327554

DannyDan · 7 Sep 2010 at 15:30

Yes, definitely true. Energy saving bulbs can only be on or off, no dimming possible.

alexakasloth · 7 Sep 2010 at 15:30

In my experience energy saving bulbs flicker a lot when on dimmer switches if they are not at full power.

ElectroBlaster · 7 Sep 2010 at 15:32

Right I wil venture further later and track some down, I need to visit the post office for stuff ive sold on the mm anyway.

Ive just attacked google and I think I might be able to buy some compatible energy bulbs so it might all work out in the end

Cosimo · 7 Sep 2010 at 15:35

They flicker with dimmers. Let us know if you find some that don't.

Tonyator · 7 Sep 2010 at 15:38

8 pound a bulb...

Cosimo · 7 Sep 2010 at 17:49

Tonyator said:
8 pound a bulb...

I might try one.

neoboy · 7 Sep 2010 at 17:57

Hmm interesting, we recently installed dimmers in both bedrooms and both work flawlessly with the random energy saving bulbs we had.

K.C. Leblanc · 7 Sep 2010 at 18:02

I've got one of these. No where near as efficient as a normal engery saving bulb, but works perfectly with a dimmer. I think it cost a couple of quid.

Captain_Slick · 7 Sep 2010 at 18:09

DannyDan said:
Yes, definitely true. Energy saving bulbs can only be on or off, no dimming possible.

No.

http://www.megamanuk.com/megaman-pro...merable-series

http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_li...ergy_smart.htm

The Philips one posted above is also dimmable.

theukmoog · 7 Sep 2010 at 18:22

We've got some dimmer-compatible bulbs (cost twice as much as non-compatible bulbs, IIRC) and they're rubbish - unless you have the dimmer switch at max, they tend to flicker, so you end up not using the dimmer function anyway!

Dr.EM · 7 Sep 2010 at 19:28

theukmoog said:
We've got some dimmer-compatible bulbs (cost twice as much as non-compatible bulbs, IIRC) and they're rubbish - unless you have the dimmer switch at max, they tend to flicker, so you end up not using the dimmer function anyway!

From a technical standpoint I fully expect this to be the truth. That Phillips is a standard incandescent as far as I can see, only low output, so that would work. CFL though, not going to work well.

Westyfield2 · 7 Sep 2010 at 19:44

Captain_Slick said:
No.

http://www.megamanuk.com/megaman-pro...merable-series

http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_li...ergy_smart.htm

The Philips one posted above is also dimmable.

Both your links are dead

.

The hyperlink URL is truncated as-well as the display text.

Jonny69 · 7 Sep 2010 at 20:36

I'm pretty sure the Philips ones are dimmable. Sometimes it's more a matter of if the dimmer is compatible with the type of bulb, so this is worth checking. It should say on the packaging.

I had some LED GU10 replacements and only some of them could be dimmed, but if you used one of the ancient style dimmer circuits they didn't dim properly.

Captain_Slick · 7 Sep 2010 at 20:42

Westyfield2 said:
Both your links are dead .

The hyperlink URL is truncated as-well as the display text.

Stupid forum software. I cba fixing them. Dimming is possible with the right energy saving bulbs though.

RJC · 7 Sep 2010 at 21:32

Some other places that sell dimmable lamps:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...gy_Saving_Lamps_Index/Dimmable_CFL/index.html

http://www.qvsdirect.com/Lamps-Light-Bulbs-Tubes-c-252.html

NeilF · 29 Aug 2011 at 14:14

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, but a year on, is there no real energy saving bulb that can be used in a lounge on a dimmer switch?

Surely by now there's something available?

Salsa · 29 Aug 2011 at 14:39

Closest I have ever been able to find for dimmable is the Phillips Eco Classic range. These only offer 30-40% energy saving vs old style bulbs but are fully dimmable and will at least save you some energy.

Philips EcoClassic Dimmable 42W ES CLEAR for instance instead of a 60W bulb. Loads of places online that sells them but cant link as I think OCUK still sells bulbs which would count as a competitor.

NeilF · 29 Aug 2011 at 14:42

Salsa said:
Closest I have ever been able to find for dimmable is the Phillips Eco Classic range. These only offer 30-40% energy saving vs old style bulbs but are fully dimmable and will at least save you some energy.

Philips EcoClassic Dimmable 42W ES CLEAR for instance instead of a 60W bulb. Loads of places online that sells them but cant link as I think OCUK still sells bulbs which would count as a competitor.

This is basically what I'm using at the moment... But I can't believe there's not a better option these days? LED?

Dimmer switches and energy saving bulbs...

Man of Honour