Dimmers on Fluro's

   / Dimmers on Fluro's #1  

daedong

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Dimmers on Fluro\'s

Will dimmers work on fluro's and if so will it save power when dimmed?
 
   / Dimmers on Fluro's #2  
Re: Dimmers on Fluro\'s

I'm guessing a "fluro" is a fluorescent light?

Don
 
   / Dimmers on Fluro's #3  
Re: Dimmers on Fluro\'s

The general answer is NO you cannot use a dimmer.

However, there is a new breed of flurescent lights that will work with a dimmer, they are special bulbs. I am not positive, but I believe all the dimmable units are a compact fluroescent bulbs not the more common tube units with special ballasts.
 
   / Dimmers on Fluro's #4  
Re: Dimmers on Fluro\'s

you need to get a dimmable ballest for them and maybe a special dimmer...
not sure it will save money...i good fluro on used 40watts.
 
   / Dimmers on Fluro's
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Re: Dimmers on Fluro\'s

This question is related to the houseboat, so every tiny bit of power i can save the better. I understand that compacts are not as efficient as tubes (power used light ratio) so i was looking at 18watt tubes
 
   / Dimmers on Fluro's #7  
Re: Dimmers on Fluro\'s

Although considerably more expensive, have you considered the new generation of LED units?

And/or, what either marine solar panels or marine wind generators. Both are very common on medium and large sailboats.
 
   / Dimmers on Fluro's #8  
Re: Dimmers on Fluro\'s

Good idea, lots of LED-based bulbs at LEDTronics.
 
   / Dimmers on Fluro's #9  
Re: Dimmers on Fluro\'s

Yes Vin,
You CAN dim Flourescent lights. You will need a special dimmer, and change all the ballasts in the fixtures. Additional wires need to be run between the dimmer and the fixture as well. With all the money you have to lay out up front, it will take years to pay it back with any (if any) savings.

Besides, the light from a dimmed flourescent isn't that great. I know I'd never try it in my house.
 
   / Dimmers on Fluro's #10  
Re: Dimmers on Fluro\'s

Not sure if all your lighting is floro- but you can by compact floro's at the depot and walmart that are dimmable and screw into to regular 120vac socket by GE. The Packaging doesn't say on the outside if it will work with a standard 120vac dimmer or not. Try the GE website or sylvania they may have some ideas for you. I would agree with the comment that most floro light once dimmed is not so great... My co sells a dimmable set up and I promise you you don't want to buy commercial stuff ouch.... The link here goes to GE's dimmable compact...
GE
 

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