Can You Use A Dimmer Switch With Fluorescent Bulbs

You need to install a special dimmer ballast and this won t work in all fluorescent fixtures.

Can you use a dimmer switch with fluorescent bulbs.

The main problem is that standard dimmers are not perfectly compatible with all dimmable fluorescents even if the fluorescent says so on the package. Unfortunately that is not the case and the same is true of dimmable fluorescent bulbs paired with fluorescent dimmers. It is possible to use wall dimmers for both fluorescent and cfl bulbs but each requires a different approach and special hardware. After achieving to collect all the mentioned things we still cannot ensure the dimming will have decent quality.

It s also possible that the existing screw holes won t work with the ballast mounting screws in which case you ll need to drill new holes for them. Occasionally when a halogen bulb burns out it will destroy a dimmer switch but. The easiest way to ensure that your light bulbs and dimmer controls are compatible is to check the lamp s manufacturer spec sheet or dimmer compatibility sheet. Because of the added expense of these fixtures they are common only in commercial applications.

Instead you are way better off getting a dimmer specially made for fluorescent lights or cfls. Just about any incandescent bulb will work with a dimmer. What this does is it runs between the wall switch and the fixture. Bulbs for the purpose of lowering wattage because they are drastically reduced already.

Most i m not sure about all aren t compatible. A common fluorescent bulb will not work with a dimmer installed for incandescent lighting. You cannot use most fluorescent lights with a dimmer. In fixing the dimmer switch to the fluorescent bulb you can t make use of the regular cable.

Some dimmers such as this one are compatible with dimmable cfl bulbs. The answer is absolutely not dimmable leds when installed in a non dimming switch will operate at 100 output and will run just as well as if they were installed with a dimming switch. A dimmer switch won t work with the standard ballast in a fluorescent light. Furthermore it takes the correct type of dimmer switch like those made for incandescent or led lights won t work with fluorescent lights and a fluorescent light fixture that s rated for dimming.

In order to achieve this you ll have to tear the wall open. They will tell you on the package not for use with dimmer. Instead you ll have to make use of a three wire plus electric cable. There are special dimmers and ballasts which when used together provide the fluorescent lighting that can be dimmed.

For energy efficiency install motion sensors.