Dimmable CFL floods for kitchen cans?

[bltkmt]

I did some searching and saw a few posts, but from up to two years ago...does anyone have any newer experience with dimmable CFL floods? I want to replace our kitchen's recessed lighting with CFL, but they need to be somewhat dimmable. Also there are 12 of them, so before I make the investment, would prefer some real world experience.

Thanks all.

 

[NextLight]

I have only three minor points of data.

Ordinary CFLs aren't dimable. They tend to maintain constant brightness until the input power is so low they can actually damage themselves trying to keep going. This failure can also occur when they are used on other triac (the semiconductor that switches AC in a dimmer) controlled devices like electronic (non-mechanical) timers and photocell switches

CFLs built for dimming have traditionally been very expensive, often 8-10 times what el-cheapo CFLs cost at discount stores.

I have found an eBay source of inexpensive dimable CFLs, but have not tried them yet. Seller is 29christopher123 and item is 200224269255. I suspect there may be compromises in these CFLs. They are on my list for evaluation.

Anyone else?

 

[Zelandeth]

Bearing in mind my experience here is based on the UK where we don't have three-way switched sockets as seem to be relatively common in the US.

Standard CFL's and dimmer switches (of any kind) do not mix well. Even if they do actually work, they won't work well, and probably won't work for long - quite possibly damaging the dimmer as well as the lamp.

Self-dimming CFL's do exist - but I've never been impressed. Firstly, they're horribly expensive in comparison to their standard counterparts, secondly all that I've seen so far seem to flicker to at least some extent when on the lower settings, and thirdly, when dimmed the colour rendering index seems to drop sharply.

All in all, while an interesting curiousity to have in my collection of lighting kit - these aren't something I'd buy.

 

[bltkmt]

So, in a kitchen environment with multiple overhead floods/cans that are on dimmers, I am better off continuing to use regular bulbs instead of CFL?

 

[gunga]

I tried dimmables a few years ago. They flickered and hummed when dimmed. It was nasty.

I have also not had good results with 3 way CFLs. Maybe things have improved but my experiences were poor.


Decided to stick to incan when dimming. Too bad.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Unless you really use and enjoy the different light levels, I would think the most of the time you would use high only.. I would consider just replacing the dimmer switches with regular ones and using CFLs on full output.

 

[bltkmt]

Yeah, that is what I am starting to think as well...decision between dimmability and energy efficiency. Unfortunately, the 12 lights on are 3 different dimmer switches, so to change out will be $$.

Thanks for the input.

 

[NextLight]

Yeah, that is what I am starting to think as well...decision between dimmability and energy efficiency. Unfortunately, the 12 lights on are 3 different dimmer switches, so to change out will be $$.

Thanks for the input.

Hmmn. My kitchen has 3 circuits too. One has a couple low power CFLs for efficiency and just basic utility light levels. One has a screamin' set of 6 50W halogens for beauty and brilliance. And the last has a dimmer with standard 60W incans set low, for that warm romantic glow. The dimmed incans have horrible efficiency, but there is something special about a soft tungsten glow. I just try not to talk to my dates about the joy of inefficient blackbody radiators.

And, like gunga, I have had reliability issues with (Sylvania) 3 way CFLs. They flicker when on high. Suckz for a $30 pair of lamps.