Modern bulbs - compatibility with old dimmer switches...

pinkteapot

I did the same, SailorSam. I still have a fair-sized stockpile left. But our electricity bills in this new house (with LOTS of bulbs) are just shocking.

almillar

Ha, yes, I thought we were doing the non-dimmers first. Yes, safety first - if you're not confident with electrics, get an electrician in. Doing all your switches in one job would surely be cheapest.
Ikea bulbs are decent these days (as long as you avoid the old stuff still in stores), but they don't do bayonet...
I don't have any experience of candle bulbs really...

Southend1

I've found homebase candle LEDs much better than ikea.

dirty_magic

Our house is exactly the same so I've been wondering about this too!

jennifernil

pinkteapot wrote: »

I know enough DIY that I don't need an electrician to change a lightbulb. I was referring to the replacement of dimmer switches (if necessary).

OK, your first challenge:

- pearl/opal candle bulb
- 40W equivalent
- bayonet fitting
- warm light (2700k)
- as likely as possible to work with an old dimmer switch

We have ten in our lounge. :eek:

With that many to replace, it may well be better to consider replacing the light fitting(s)!!

almillar

Southend1:

I've found homebase candle LEDs much better than ikea.

Cost? Lumens? When you bought them?! You've just quoted 2 brands. From my experience the bulbs in Homebase now, are overpriced and underbright, and Ikea's NEW range of LEDs is well priced with good brightness, whereas their previous range was pretty rubbish.

pinkteapot

We like our fittings so don't plan to change them.

I will get an electrician in if the switches need changing - I wouldn't try to DIY it. But as I understand it there's no need to get one round unless we find that bulbs don't work?

Found this intro guide to LED bulbs which seems good:
http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/energy-saving-light-bulbs-led-cfl

Suggests I'm looking for around 400 lumens in a 40W equivalent bulb.

Southend1

almillar wrote: »

Southend1:

Cost? Lumens? When you bought them?! You've just quoted 2 brands. From my experience the bulbs in Homebase now, are overpriced and underbright, and Ikea's NEW range of LEDs is well priced with good brightness, whereas their previous range was pretty rubbish.

http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/tcp-led-candle-5w-opal-ses----1-pack-274641

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30255740/

The homebase ones are 330lm compared to ikea 400lm. The brightness isn't a problem on either however the ikea bulbs have a tendency to flickering for periods of time. I suspect the electronics are not good quality. The homebase ones are fine however.

The only reason i mentioned these is because these are the only led candles I have tried. Other brands are available!

One other thing I should mention is that I wouldn't buy clear LED bulbs again due to the glare they give off. The opal ones are better IMO.

elsien

OK, jumping aboard this thread for help.
I have a new floorlamp which takes 2 opal round 60 bulbs, type ES. So looking to be more energy efficient I trot off to wilko to buy the energy saving version but on getting home spot it says they can't be used with dimmers. And I use the dimmer on the light all the time.
So a) if I try to use them will they just not work, or will I knacker the light and 2) what do I need to replace the bulbs with, as I can't find anything suitable on a quick scoot round the high street and when I looked online I got very confused very quickly.

almillar

400 lumens in a 40W equivalent bulb.

Good guide basically - 10 lumen for 1W of old school lightbulb. They will still be getting better though.
Southend1 - good job, the Homebase ones are decent, and better than what I had seen recently - proving how fast moving this world is! Understand what you mean about having the frosty appearance for less glare. I looked for one in Ikea there, and they had one for £4 - but it was 200lm instead of 400lm - that's the rubbish ones I was talking about!