I have a ceiling fan/light controlled by a dimmer and 3 spd. fan switch. For some reason, light bulbs do not last very long in it. Is there a certain 'tear drop' shaped bulb that holds up to constant dimming and any vibrations from a fan? Thanks.
2007-01-29 18:58:01 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
try the new led lights they cost a little more but last 10 times longer and use 10 times less than regular lights but do not use florescent lights with a dimmer switch!
2007-01-29 19:01:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure the dimmer is for or made for a ceiling fan most people don't know you can not use the regular one for just dimming light bulbs , must be made for ceiling fans, will say on the package, and use ceiling fan bulbs made for the ceiling fan they have a heaver duty fillament for vibration and dimimg, never dim the fan speed that must be controlled by the speed control low med high, when installed correctly they should be separate switch for fan and the one for the bulbs, but only half people do this ,so if you want the lights dim don't use the fan , it will heat up the unit and knock bulbs and motor out from motor drag , , so I don't confuse you , use a dimmer switch for the lights only and if you say have the fan on low, and the lights on and want to dime the lights you are cutting the life of the motor down cause it was not intended for that cycle, your slowing down the cycle , OK, fan on, fine , light on fine, dime the light turn off the fan OK, good luck
2007-01-30 03:15:56 · answer #2 · answered by Mechanical 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vibration from the fan could be breaking the filament in the light bulb, or you could have a short in a wire from the connection inside the fan or at the wall switch. Or the bulbs could be, just poorly made. You will have to have someone check it out or just try different bulbs.
2007-01-30 03:08:30 · answer #3 · answered by 1TON 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Between the vibrations and the heat generated from the bulb in the cover, the bulb has everything against it. I have tried everything and every kind of bulb and, cannot find one that works. I have five ceiling fans so it would be productive for me.
2007-01-30 04:23:09 · answer #4 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That type of bulb is not long lasting anyway. If you can find them, the little "buttons" that fit in the base that holds the bulb and changes the current to DC will make them last a lot longer.
They may make some "extended life" bulbs in that type but I do not know for sure.
If you cannot find the button things, it is possible to install a converter on the line that will change it to DC current. Whether or not it is really worth it is debatable. Why DC current makes bulbs last longer, I do not know, but it does.
2007-01-30 04:34:46 · answer #5 · answered by tootall1121 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A few suggestions to try are:
1.) Use fan rated lamps
2.) Make sure lamps are 130 volt rated instead of 120 volt. This will help with power surges.
3.) Install a whole house surge protector. This will mount at your electrical panel. Here in Montana we receive a lot of surges and this takes it's toll on lamp filaments and electronic devices.
4.) Make sure your switch is properly rated for fan and light control.
5.) Check your wiring for loose connections.
If you need further assistance, please visit:
http://electricalblog.gilchrist-electric.com
2007-01-30 09:13:36 · answer #6 · answered by gilchristelectric 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋