Low Energy Bulbs for dimmer switches?

originalbob

Hi all-I have an open plan kitchen/living room area, the lighting for which is by two hanging light fittings, each on its own dimmer switch.Its an ideal situation, as I can dim/turn off the light in the living/kitchen area as I need.
However, with the gradual winding down of availability of traditional bulbs, I need to get hold of an equivalent low energy bulb or two which will work with a dimmer switch, which will give the equivalent of either 60w or more preferably 100w.Does anybody out there have any suggestions as to brands/part numbers/costs and where to get something which might fit the bill?

Thanks in advance for the help!

WestonDave

For most circumstances you can get halogen replacements which work fine with dimmer switches but use about 30% less energy. They are not as efficient as "dark bulbs" as our household refer to the fluorescent energy efficient "tube" ones, but they give a much cleaner light, and are not much more expensive than traditional lights. We've got candle bulbs in our dining room that are GE 30W halogens, giving off the same light as a 40W traditional bulb and look very similar to the old style ones. I've got ours from Wilkinsons or Asda so I suspect if you shop around you can find them. I seem to recall Homebase having a load of Phillps ones to replace their traditional bulbs.

Incidentally if you really want old style filament bulbs you can still get them - its just the big retailers who don't stock them anymore - online specialists still sell them e.g. lightingsuperstore.

dragon47

The only one I have seen on the highstreet was in Wilkinsons;
General Electric Energy Smart Bulb Dimmable B22 BC 20w - £9.98
That would put out roughly the same amount of light as a 100W traditional bulb.

doverswot

I previously purchased Megaman Dimmable bulbs which worked well for me. http://www.megamanuk.com/megaman-products/lamps/?series_name=dimmerable-series

fluffpot

the problem with the low energy florescent type bulbs is that they are not enough load for a dimmer switch - most dimmers are rated at 60W min and the max dimmable energy saver you will get is between 11 and 20W. They will dim but not very well and will eventually stop working.

The manufactures are now making (finally) low load dimmer switches to replace the old ones. See here

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_All/Varilight_Low_Load_Dimmers/index.html

edwhow

Megaman Dimmerable Candle Bulb 9w BC Warm White 10k Hr Cl809d are now £3.57 at Amazon, also the ES but other bulb types are normal price.