"ps56k" wrote in message
...
hi -
Just happen to stumble cross a webpage
discussing CFLs and dimmers... -
but still confused
http://www.dimmablecfls.com/index.html

We have been gradually replacing bulbs with CFLs around our house.
There are a couple situations still to be addressed - dimmable lamps -

I have seen a few "dimmable CFLs" on the market
vs the racks of "standard CFLs"

#1 - what is internally different, that makes them dimmable ?

#2 - noticed the hardware stores have "CFL dimmers"
along with "normal dimmers"
again - what's different between
these two different labelled dimmers ?

Does a CFL dimmer - dim a normal CFL,
or require a dimmable CFL ?

It might help to have a mtarix -
and maybe explain any technical differences,
unless it's just "marketing" to this new area.....

tnx for any info & education -



OK.............YOU ASKED FOR IT.....................




Dimmable CFL Standard CFL Incan
CFL Dimmer yes no yes
Normal Dimmer most no yes
1990's Dimmer most no yes
1980's Dimmer most no yes



1940's to 1960's variac type dimmer
Dimmable CFL.....most very smooth Standard
CFL... sometimes, partially Incandescant....yes always they
still die young.

HOWEVER........I go to Lightfair every year ( in USA) and ALL of the
dimmable fluorescent screw in units are CRAP.................PERIOD........

they may work ok for a short while........but after less then 6 mnths they
ALL fail in one fashion or another........dead, flickering, flashing.

We have purchased 9 brands (6 each) @ Lightfair AND THE SAME BRAND / MODLE
DIMMER they were demo d on to put into no-charge limited testing at
several small restaurants locally....

average 12 hrs / day JUNK.............and just try to get a store /
manufacturer to warranty more then one or two...........

ps.............one dimmable CFL on one incandescant dimmer will last longer
then multiple units as when they switch on/off (dimming) this screws with
the dimmer....or add a single 60-100 watt incandescant lamp in with
multiple DCFLS and the results are better....................AND YOU THOUGHT
WE WERE DONE.................Diversafied Components makes (made) a NEON
dimmer 3 wire goesinter, goesouter and a neutral...........I had the best
luck with an old one of these.....................till the dimmer failed
Hot to Neut.
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No Good Deed -
Goes Unpunished