Can you use a dimmer switch with CFL bulbs?

A: No. The majority of CFL bulbs sold today are not dimmable. A CFL bulb that cannot be used on a dimmer will have the statement “not for use with dimmers” or “do not use with dimmers” marked directly on the bulb. Recently, dimmers have been introduced designed specifically for CFL (and LED) bulbs.

Can certain types of CFLs be dimmed?

The dimming range of CFLs is usually between 20% and 90%, but many modern CFLs have a dimmable range of 2% to 100%, more akin to that of incandescent lights. There are two types of dimmable CFL on the market: Standard dimmable CFLs, and “switch-dimmable” CFLs.

How can you tell if a CFL is dimmable?

The package or bulb should say if it’s dimmable and tell you which dimmer switches are compatible. You may get varying results with different CFLs and their compatible dimmers.

Do dimmable lights have to be on a dimmer switch?

The short answer to this question is: Yes, you can use dimmable LEDs without a dimmer switch, just like normal light bulbs. This means that LED retailers can now offer dimmable LED bulbs at a comparable price to non-dimmable versions, so holding stock of non-dimmable LEDs is becoming unnecessary.

What is the full form of CFLs?

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL bulbs) first emerged on the lighting market as a more energy-efficient alternative to the incandescent light bulb. A CFL is just as energy efficient as the linear fluorescent tubes, but screws into the same socket as an incandescent.

What is the dimmable symbol?

The Dimmable Symbol, when you see this displayed on a LED lamp box it means the lamp can be used on a dimmer switch so that the light can be adjusted from dim to bright.

Can you put dimmers on any lights?

Most light fixtures will work with standard dimmer switches, including those with halogen and incandescent lamps. If you install line-voltage track and rail lights with incandescent bulbs, you can use dimmer switches to control their brightness. Just be sure to use a line-voltage dimmer as well.

What are CFL bulbs and where should they be used?

CFLs are highly versatile and can be used in any setting where you would normally use incandescent bulbs . They come in enough shapes and sizes that you can use them for recessed fixtures, table lamps, track lighting or ceiling lighting. Three-way CFLs and CFLs that work with dimmers are also available.

What is the difference between CFL and LED light bulbs?

Key Differences Between CFL and LED Bulbs The CFL is defined as the light bulb which uses fluorescence for producing the light whereas the LED uses the semiconductor diode for producing visible light. The CFL stands for compact fluorescent lamp whereas the LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.

Are all CFL bulbs dimmable?

Not for Dimmers. A standard CFL bulb can’t be used in a dimmable fixture. The packaging for standard CFL bulbs warns against using the bulb with a dimmer. If you try to dim a standard CFL, the bulb will flash, flicker or go out.

What are CFL bulbs?

A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) is a fluorescent light bulb that has been compressed into the size of a standard-issue incandescent light bulb. Modern CFLs typically last at least six times as long and use at most a quarter of the power of an equivalent incandescent bulb.