Can you simply plug energy saving bulbs into existing dimmer switch

The_Rascal

Hello.

Son's bedroom has dimmer light switch with old style bulbs and running out of them.

Will the existing set up enable energy saving bulbs without any modification.

I take it than an energy saving bulb won't go up and down with the dimmer as its output is fixed.


Do I need to replace the switch face or is it safe to simply to continue to go along with the dimmer knowing that the light cannot go up and down?

Thanks.

Simon354

You can still use the dimmer switch but you're right the dimmer won't work

srm1

This may help:
http://www.which.co.uk/energy/energy-saving-products/reviews-ns/light-bulbs/light-bulb-faqs/

benjus

LED bulbs sold as dimmable may work with old dimmer switches but you'd probably be better off getting a new dimmer switch if you want to dim them.

Norman_Castle

http://www.energycircle.com/blog/2011/09/21/why-you-should-never-use-non-dimmable-cfls-dimmer-switches

elstimpo

The_Rascal wrote: »

Hello.

Son's bedroom has dimmer light switch with old style bulbs and running out of them.

Will the existing set up enable energy saving bulbs without any modification.

I take it than an energy saving bulb won't go up and down with the dimmer as its output is fixed.


Do I need to replace the switch face or is it safe to simply to continue to go along with the dimmer knowing that the light cannot go up and down?

Thanks.

Nearly all dimmer units work perfectly fine with LED Bulbs designed to replace incandescent lamps, it's when you get to LED Spots and minimum loading and leading / Trailing edge dimmers comes into play where issues can pop up.