With the new compact fluorescent bulbs, what is the plan for dimming the light?

Question

I have had the X10 system almost since it was invented and I'm concerned about not being able to dim these new bulbs, or turn them on and off for that matter, using the X10 modules. I often dim lights while watching television . Furthermore, I have a motion sensor in my home that turns a light on when entering the room and it does not work with the new type light bulbs.

Answer 1

With the x10 system, I assume the lights are canned fixtures with R-type or PAR-type lamps. GE, Phillips and TCP are manufacturing lamps that are dimming rated and should work with the x10 system. For the motion sensor, the non-dimming commercial rated lamps (Phillip's Marathon II, TCP, Sylvania's commercial line, or GE commercial line) will work with a minimal affect on their life. For a higher end system like you have, I recommend purchasing commercial grade lamps from a electrical distributor and not your general hardware store. As for the mercury content, most local waste collection will take them as hold hazardous waste (the same as paint, motor oil, or general house hold cleaners) and they contain less then 1/10,000 the amount of mercury as a thermometer and less then 1/1,000,000 the amount contained in a non-digital household thermostat.

Answer 2

I bet half the people on here does'nt know what X10 is without looking it up. the bulb/ballast needs to be the dimming type, and im pretty sure that the dimmer has to be a fluorescent dimmer. your X10 might be going out of date- but dont worrie you still have a few years to enjoy it

Answer 3

You have to buy the kind that says "dimmable" or for dimming.

I'm afraid to use these because of the mercury -- light bulbs break, and that's pretty scary. I'm waiting for a better alternative. Plus if you turn these bulbs off and on frequently, you don't save anything and the bulb's life shortens.

Answer 4

They now make dimmable CFL's. Your system may not be compatable with them though. Constant on/off will shorten the bulbs life. The amount of mercury is minimal. Less than a thermometer.