Can I Use A Dimmer Switch With Fluorescent Bulbs

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.

Can i use a dimmer switch with fluorescent bulbs.

The answer is yes but certain considerations apply. Your hardware store will be able to give you the best advice. Before fitting the dimmer switch make sure it is the exact type and not the ones made for the incandescent bulb. Non dimmable cfls shouldn t be plugged into dimmer switches.

It is possible to use wall dimmers for both fluorescent and cfl bulbs but each requires a different approach and special hardware. Unfortunately that is not the case and the same is true of dimmable fluorescent bulbs paired with fluorescent dimmers. You need to purchase a special type of dimmer switch that s made especially for fluorescent lights. This is because they are not compatible with the ones used for fluorescent lamps.

Tip 4 be aware of the dangers. This is a pretty serious problem. There are special dimmers and ballasts which when used together provide the fluorescent lighting that can be dimmed. While there aren t a ton of documented cases of fires being started by cfls being connected to dimmer switches there are some.

You must make sure you purchase the correct type of dimmer switch as those made for incandescent lights won t work with fluorescent lights. Just about any incandescent bulb will work with a dimmer. Some dimmers such as this one are compatible with dimmable cfl bulbs. Furthermore it takes the correct type of dimmer switch like those made for incandescent or led lights won t work with fluorescent lights and a fluorescent light fixture that s rated for dimming.

This overheats the bulb and can actually cause it to light on fire. Because of the added expense of these fixtures they are common only in commercial applications. You cannot use most fluorescent lights with a dimmer. You can visit your local hardware store if you don t know the difference between the two.

So be sure to tell all your friends. 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.