Can CFLs Be Used With a Ceiling Fan Dimmer Switch?

How Fluorescent Lamps Operate

• A fluorescent light bulb contains several electronic components inside the base of the bulb. These components convert electrical power coming from the light switch from low-frequency AC power into DC power, then convert the DC power into high-frequency AC power. Filaments inside the lamp are heated, and high-frequency AC power is applied to the vapor inside the lamp. Once the lamp voltage reaches the lamp ignition point, the lamp turns on. An integrated circuit controls the lamp current to keep the lamp illuminated until it's turned off at the switch.

Bulbs Aren't Always Interchangeable

• Incandescent bulbs, which don't contain any advanced electronics, merely has a tungsten filament between its two electrodes. A dimmer switch controls the amount of light emitted by an incandescent bulb by limiting the electric current through that bulb. This action doesn't damage the tungsten filament or electrodes in any way. In contrast, a fluorescent bulb depends on voltage and frequency control to operate the bulb. If a non-dimming fluorescent bulb is used in a circuit with a dimmer switch, the fluorescent bulb will suffer a shortened useful life.

Dimming Fluorescent Bulb

• A dimming CFL bulb is a fluorescent lamp intended for a dimmer switch. The concepts of operation for a dimming CFL bulb are similar to those used in regular fluorescent lamps. It contains a special electronic integrated circuit that allows the lamp current to be adjusted to dim the lamp safely.

Other Considerations

• Dimming CFL bulbs can be used in conventional (non-dimming) and dimming electric lighting circuits. Since a dimming CFL bulb is designed to give maximum brightness at full electrical power, operating a dimming CFL with full electrical power at all times during use won't harm the bulb.