Light Dimmers?
Question:I am going to install a dimmer switch however i do not know if i should. I only have one bulb in my room (and i normally use those low watt energy saving bulbs.)
when i was reading the Watt limit. The dimmer can hold upto 1000w but doesnt really say anything about low bulbs.
I fear that the dimmer switch maybe damaged when i turn it on. the fact that a low watt is only in use.
Can i install the dimmer swich in my room without it fusing or blowing up?
Answers:
If you are using a low wattage "energy" bulb, there is a very good chance that it is fluorescent and not incandescent. In that event. You will not be able to dim the bulb. These require special ballasts and dimmers that cost a fair amount.
If you are sure that you are using an incandescent bulb then a 1000watt dimmer is plenty. That is the equivalent rating of about 16 - 60 watt bulbs.
As far as I know, dimmers are only to be used with incandescent bulbs. Some of those low energy bulbs I believe are flourescent and cannot be used with a dimmer.
If you are using incandescent bulbs, nothing will hurt the dimmer except overloading it. Compact fluorescent bulbs are another matter. You need both a dimmer and bulb that are compatible with the other, i.e. the dimmer must work with CF and the CF bulb must be rated to use with a dimmer.
Dimmers can not be used with the low energy bulbs that you want to use, unless the bulb is built with a special ballast. The reason being that when a dimmer is made it regulates the amount of wattage that is delivered to the bulb as opposed to the amount of light. The energy saving bulbs are built to recieve all of their power at one time as opposed to accepting a variable amount of current. I'm afraid you will have to choose between the dimmer or the bulbs.
The only other option would be to find a dimmer that is made for fluorescent bulbs.
Most of the above is correct, but your question regarding shortage due to the bulbs low wattage should not be a concern. It is when the bulb/appliance exceeds the rating, in this case 1000w, that it becomes a problem, or overload, situation.
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