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Dimmable CFLs & Illum. Switch

Posted by lbpod (My Page) on
Sun, Jun 17, 12 at 13:09

Good Morning. I purchased some Sylvania, mod. BR30,
15 watt, dimmable CFL flood bulbs. On the package
it says not to use with an illuminated switch.
What's up with that? I don't want to eliminate
my illuminated switch because at night it is so
easy to find the switch, instead of fumbling around
in the dark.


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Dimmable CFLs & Illum. Switch

The illuminated switch uses a small neon bulb that leaks a few milliamps to light the neon.

They do not operate well with an CFL.


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RE: Dimmable CFLs & Illum. Switch

The illuminated switch sends a small amount of power to the "bulbs" in the fixture even when the switch is off. The fluorescents do not "like" that. Remove all the "bulbs" from the fixture and your switch will not be lighted.


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RE: Dimmable CFLs & Illum. Switch

Thanks Bus driver, I'm going to pick up a spare
illuminated dimmer switch and do some
experimenting on the work bench.


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RE: Dimmable CFLs & Illum. Switch

You should also know that CFLs do not dim as 'nicely' as incandescent lights.

In almost all cases the dimming rage is limited before the bulb goes out.


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RE: Dimmable CFLs & Illum. Switch

Yes Brick, I've heard of that, but it's not a problem
because I'm the only one that uses the dimmer. Mother
always has those lights on full bore, even if there is
no one in the room. She doesn't care because she doesn't
pay the utility bills. When I'm gone, she'll find out.


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