[Greenbuilding] [dimmable] compact fluorescent bulbs--the market speaks

[RONALD CASCIO]

I've given up on dimming CFs, the dimmable range is quite low and the 
ballasts can't handle it. Our new home has many recessed fixtures with 60w 
incandescents, most of which are dimmed down to the minimum which gives a 
pleasant glow and enough light to get around. Where we need task lighting we 
have small fluorescent tubes. When the dimmable CF technology gets to where 
it needs to be we'll change out to them but until then our utility bills are 
quite satisfactory.

Anyone have data on how efficient incandescents are when fully dimmed? They 
stay slightly warm to the touch and seem to last forever.

Ron

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rob Tom" <ArchiLogic at yahoo.ca>
To: <GREENBUILDING at listserv.repp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 5:07 PM
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] [dimmable] compact fluorescent bulbs--the 
market speaks


> On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:42:43 -0400, Alan Abrams
> <alan at abramsdesignbuild.com> wrote:
>
>> How about dimmables?  I've only found them on the web.
>
> I've not been following this thread so I don't know if what I'm about to
> write has anything to do with anything but...
>
> I've purchased dimmable CF bulbs (helix type) here in Canada at the local
> Home Hardware and Canadian Tire stores. The brands were "Noma" and 
> "Globe".
>
> Unfortunately, they seem to be very short-lived if one dims them to near
> the lowest light levels for any length of time.
>
> What seems to happen is that after being on for awhile (at the low
> setting) they begin to strobe and if allowed to continue (ie by not
> cranking up the intensity) the bulbs die.
>
> By "short-lived" I mean that they died within a month of their being
> screwed in.
>
> They seem to be okay so long as they aren't dimmed too low (a WAG of say
> 10% max intensity ?)
>
> -- 
> === * ===
> Rob Tom
> Kanata, Ontario, Canada
> <A r c h i L o g i c   at  c h a f f y a h o o   dot   c a >
> winnow the chaff from my edress in your reply
>
>
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