When it comes to dimming, compact fluorescents work differently from their incandescent cousins. In order for a CF bulb to work in a dimmer, it must be specially designed to do so. Be sure to read the package so that you'll know if your CF bulb works in dimmer-controlled fixtures. Also, finding where to buy dimmable CFs can be particularly difficult, but don't get discouraged. Start with our list of dimmable CF bulbs.
Here's another quirk. Unfortunately, even if a CF is designed for dimmers it might not work in yours. (The CF packaging spells this out, as well.) Sometimes the only way to be sure a bulb will work is to test it. Check the store’s return policy and keep your receipt -- or let a friend try the energy-saving bulb. But know that there's a bit of trial-and-error involved in the process. One last caveat. Once you've screwed your dimmable CF into your fixture and begin test-driving it, you might notice a difference in its dimming range. While incandescent bulbs dim smoothly between being completely off to 100 percent brightness, CF bulbs have a narrower dimming range. Generally, dimmable CF bulbs can dim between 20 and 90 percent of full light. Why CF bulbs are harder to dim than traditional bulbs You can dim a traditional incandescent bulb simply by reducing the amount of power sent to the bulb. Less power means less heat and less light. With CF bulbs, dimming is more complicated. Reducing power to a CF bulb can keep its filament from getting hot enough to work properly, and the bulb simply goes out. Reducing the voltage can dim the light only by 30 to 50 percent. To achieve better, more consistent dimming, designers must make other adjustments. In all fluorescent bulbs, the ballasts (the bulb's "engine" located inside the ceramic between the socket and bulb) are what make them work. The ballast both starts the light and keeps it lit. Early CF bulbs had magnetic ballasts that did not easily lend themselves to dimming. When electronic ballasts came on the scene, it was easier to design these CFs for dimming. However, as with any new technology, dimmable CF bulbs are still being refined. As more companies enter the growing market for energy-saving bulbs, the options for dimmable bulbs are expected to become wider and more easily available. It is worth the effort to find a CF for your dimmer—dimmable CF bulbs are hands-down more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They use less electricity, cause less pollution and last much longer. Plus, when you dim a CF bulb, you save even more electricity. Posted: 12-Oct-2006; Updated: 01-Aug-2007 Source: http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagid=631 ------------------------------------ Send any questions regarding list management to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blindhandyman/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
