bright effects candelabra CFLs

[AmusingistheDawn]

I just replaced 8 candelabra bulbs in 2 fans I just installed. When I put the CFL bulbs in, they all flicker, and it is very noticeable. Will this happen with all CFL candelabra bulbs or is it only this particular brand?

 

[Ayeaux]

I have four in our dining room fixture, not a ceiling fan, and have had no problems for over a year now.

I also have bright effects bulbs that are non-candelabra bases in several ceiling fans for over 2 years now with out any problems.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

I don't know if it is because they are candelabra bulbs or because they are in a ceiling fan, or because they are bright effects. I never had a problem with a spiral CFL before, but this is also the first time I used a non-spiral type bulb, and also the first for the small candelabra base.

 

[yuandrew]

Does that ceiling fan come with a remote control ? (as oppose to a standard pull-chain)

Most remote controlled ceiling fans have dimmer circuits for the light kits.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

is it flickering because the light is bouncing off the blades as they move (strobe effect)? Or do they flicker with the fan off?

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

there is no remote control, no dimmer, and the fan is off

it is 100 percent the bulb. I already took them out and put in incandescent bulbs.

 

[hank]

Real fast flicker, like 60 cycles?
LEDs are "direct current" devices so cheap designs use only half the AC cycle and so go on and off at 60 cycles. When you move them it's especially visible.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

Real fast flicker, like 60 cycles?
LEDs are "direct current" devices so cheap designs use only half the AC cycle and so go on and off at 60 cycles. When you move them it's especially visible.

CFL, not LED :wave:

 

[hank]

blush, sorry.

I had a similar problem with CFLs, but it was because a dimmer switch was in the circuit (even set at 100 percent and hidden under a switchplate unused).

Is it one of those three-speed fan units? If so, even with the fan "off" it might have a trickle of current through the fan switch; I've seen stranger things screw up cheap CFLs.

Good thing you pulled them. When they flicker they're also apt to overheat and smell really bad before they start melting the plastic cases.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

try the bulb in another fixture if you suspect it is the ceiling fan circuit. If put in a floor or table lamp and it works fine then something is amiss. If it flickers then send it back.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

They ARE 3 speed fans, and I had 8 bulbs in the 2 fans...and they ALL flicker...so I would say it is the bulbs. They also were pretty damn hot only after a few minutes. I would try them in something else, but once you use the candelabra adapter to use in a regular lamp...you can't take it off.

I just want to know if ALL CFL brans will flicker with these 3 speed fan units.