incandescent light dimmers?

[WizeOne]

When running at a dimmer setting do they actually save electricity or do they just burn off the excess juice using resistance ?

 

[j_martin]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

When running at a dimmer setting do they actually save electricity or do they just burn off the excess juice using resistance ?

The power source is AC. The dimmer is like a switch that turns on at each cycle of the power. Dimming is accomplished by holding the switch off for part of the cycle, the later it is switched, the dimmer the light.

It's all done with circuit components called silicon controlled rectifiers.

They actually do save some power.

hope it helps
John

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

My 2 cents from a career building maintenance man.......
While dimmers will save some juice, I don't think that they save enough to justify their installation.
Dimmer installation should be more of a lighting preference than a cost savings.
We are getting ready to do some major remodeling.....we will be swapping the living and dining areas.....I will be removing the entire ceiling in what will become the new living room and wiring for 8 can lights on 2 different dimmer switches.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

It is true that my primary purpose of having a couple of dimmers is for lighting preference but it is nice to know that if I want them dimmed for the purpose of not consuming so much juice, that will be the case.

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

I hate using dimmers in smaller rooms, the buzzing incandescent bulbs make drives me bonkers. The FL replacements aren't as bad though.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

I hate using dimmers in smaller rooms, the buzzing incandescent bulbs make drives me bonkers. The FL replacements aren't as bad though.

I use them in two chandeliers, one for the dining table and one for the kitchen table. Although not mine, there are some sensitive ears in the house but I have never heard them complain of buzzing???

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

I use them in two chandeliers, one for the dining table and one for the kitchen table. Although not mine, there are some sensitive ears in the house but I have never heard them complain of buzzing???

It's not super loud and I notice it only happens in a few spots. My GF says she can't hear it but I sure can. Maybe I'm just weird lol

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

Dim away, it's good for setting the mood, saving your eyes and reducing your carbon footprint (whatever the he!! that is).

I use dimmers on all ceiling and hanging incandescent bulbs. I also use compact fluorescent bulbs on all lights that stay on for extended periods of time (exterior lights, living room table lamps, dining room light, etc.). And, I am anything BUT a tree hugger.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

Dim away, it's good for setting the mood, saving your eyes and reducing your carbon footprint (whatever the he!! that is).

I use dimmers on all ceiling and hanging incandescent bulbs. I also use compact fluorescent bulbs on all lights that stay on for extended periods of time (exterior lights, living room table lamps, dining room light, etc.). And, I am anything BUT a tree hugger.

I got on the CF bandwagon early and I am no TREE hugger either. I do like more efficient/effective mousetraps but I was severly disappointed in the light quality and durablilty of them.

I still use them in areas where light quality is not an issue and they are likely to stay on for long periods. CF's are a microcosm of the new quest for alternate sources of energy use. They suck!

 

[levittownnick]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

Dimming has its pros and cons. It allows the light to be dimmed using less energy but the efficiency of the bulb suffers (lumens per watt goes down). Most think that light output is measured in watts but that is not the case. We come to associate light output with wattage because the incandescent bulb is rated in watts however watts only describes the energy the bulb uses. When a dimmer is used on an incandescent bulb, the hum produced is caused by the filament moving as it is suddenly energized on each cycle. Some brands of bulbs make more noise than others due to the way in which the filament is supported within the bulb.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: incandescent light dimmers?

I got on the CF bandwagon early and I am no TREE hugger either. I do like more efficient/effective mousetraps but I was severly disappointed in the light quality and durablilty of them.

I still use them in areas where light quality is not an issue and they are likely to stay on for long periods. CF's are a microcosm of the new quest for alternate sources of energy use. They suck!

try different brands. Some are VERY good for light quality, can't tell a difference easily from a normal bulb. Some are really, really bad. Alien autopsy bad.

The only issue I've ever had with durability is using them in SOME fans, and the garage door. Not a chance in the door, they last a couple days at best. Outside of the ones that have taken a beating, I think i have maybe replaced 2 bulbs total, and I've been running them 4+ years now. I've actually taken then with when I moved even!