Can I Use A Dimmer Switch With Fluorescent Bulbs

Occasionally when a halogen bulb burns out it will destroy a dimmer switch but.

Can i use a dimmer switch with fluorescent bulbs.

Because of the added expense of these fixtures they are common only in commercial applications. This overheats the bulb and can actually cause it to light on fire. Use the right dimmer switch. The answer is yes but certain considerations apply.

You must make sure you purchase the correct type of dimmer switch as those made for incandescent lights won t work with fluorescent lights. You need to purchase a special type of dimmer switch that s made especially for fluorescent lights. This is a pretty serious problem. There are special dimmers and ballasts which when used together provide the fluorescent lighting that can be dimmed.

Unfortunately that is not the case and the same is true of dimmable fluorescent bulbs paired with fluorescent dimmers. Just about any incandescent bulb will work with a dimmer. A common fluorescent bulb will not work with a dimmer installed for incandescent lighting. The easiest way to ensure that your light bulbs and dimmer controls are compatible is to check the lamp s manufacturer spec sheet or dimmer compatibility sheet.

Tip 4 be aware of the dangers. You cannot use most fluorescent lights with a dimmer. It is possible to use wall dimmers for both fluorescent and cfl bulbs but each requires a different approach and special hardware. Your hardware store will be able to give you the best advice.

While there aren t a ton of documented cases of fires being started by cfls being connected to dimmer switches there are some. Some dimmers such as this one are compatible with dimmable cfl bulbs. Non dimmable cfls shouldn t be plugged into dimmer switches. After achieving to collect all the mentioned things we still cannot ensure the dimming will have decent quality.

Not everybody takes the time to read the warning labels on everything they buy but this is something we should all be aware of. This is because they are not compatible with the ones used for fluorescent lamps. You can visit your local hardware store if you don t know the difference between the two.