X10 dimmer modules and CF lamps

[Joerg]

Question: I read in one of Jeff Volp's posts that he uses a CF lamp on
an X10 lamp module (living room?). We have a lot of outdoor flood lights
that I'd love to convert to CFL. However, many of those are controlled
by dimmer modules which I suppose are fairly similar to lamp modules.

What is the worst case scenario that could happen if someone would
accidentally dim them? I have tried it on a normal dimmer and it just
became erratic. But not all CF lamps are the same, so I was wondering.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

[BruceR]

There are specific CFL's that are dimmable and that feature will be on
the package. However, if you use small CFL's outside you shouldn't need
to dim them and could use the Relay wall switches.

Joerg wrote:
> Question: I read in one of Jeff Volp's posts that he uses a CF lamp on
> an X10 lamp module (living room?). We have a lot of outdoor flood
> lights that I'd love to convert to CFL. However, many of those are
> controlled by dimmer modules which I suppose are fairly similar to
> lamp modules.
> What is the worst case scenario that could happen if someone would
> accidentally dim them? I have tried it on a normal dimmer and it just
> became erratic. But not all CF lamps are the same, so I was wondering.

[Joerg]

Hello Bruce,


> There are specific CFL's that are dimmable and that feature will be on
> the package. ...


Probably just the expensive ones. At Lowes and HD they all said not to
be dimmable. It would be ok if they weren't dimmable but if the
situation remained safe if someone accidentally did. Most CFLs drop into
a fast pulsing when dimmed but the packages don't say whether or not
something catastrophic could result if left in that mode.


> ... However, if you use small CFL's outside you shouldn't need
> to dim them and could use the Relay wall switches.
>

Thanks, got to look for those. When I installed X10 here about 5 years
ago there were only wall outlets with relays and that meant no internal
switch. Anything for lamps had triac control and dimming.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com

[BruceR]

Here's what you need:

Single-Pole (One Location) Switch (6291) Leviton — Equipped with
Intellisense (gated automatic gain control) and provides manual and
remote ON/OFF control. Can be set to any of 256 DHC address codes to
switch incandescent, inductive or resistive loads where dimming is not
required. Responds to ON, OFF, ALL LIGHTS ON/ALL OFF commands. Wires
easily into standard wall box using terminal screws. Neutral Connection
Required. Pilot light is ON when switch is ON. Code wheels are located
beneath rocker plate. Packed with Ivory and White Rocker and Frame. Kits
for other colors must be purchased separately.
Rated: 15A 120V AC 60Hz Incandescent, Inductive or Resistive.

I have a case of these that I never used that are brand new in the box.
These normally sell for about $28 but I'll sell what I have for $19 each
delivered.


Joerg wrote:
> Hello Bruce,
>
>
>> There are specific CFL's that are dimmable and that feature will be
>> on the package. ...
>
>
> Probably just the expensive ones. At Lowes and HD they all said not to
> be dimmable. It would be ok if they weren't dimmable but if the
> situation remained safe if someone accidentally did. Most CFLs drop
> into a fast pulsing when dimmed but the packages don't say whether or
> not something catastrophic could result if left in that mode.
>
>
>> ... However, if you use small CFL's outside you shouldn't need
>> to dim them and could use the Relay wall switches.
>>
>
> Thanks, got to look for those. When I installed X10 here about 5 years
> ago there were only wall outlets with relays and that meant no
> internal switch. Anything for lamps had triac control and dimming.

[Joerg]

Hello Bruce,

>
> Single-Pole (One Location) Switch (6291) Leviton — Equipped with
> Intellisense (gated automatic gain control) and provides manual and
> remote ON/OFF control. Can be set to any of 256 DHC address codes to
> switch incandescent, inductive or resistive loads where dimming is not
> required. Responds to ON, OFF, ALL LIGHTS ON/ALL OFF commands. Wires
> easily into standard wall box using terminal screws. Neutral Connection
> Required. Pilot light is ON when switch is ON. Code wheels are located
> beneath rocker plate. Packed with Ivory and White Rocker and Frame. Kits
> for other colors must be purchased separately.
> Rated: 15A 120V AC 60Hz Incandescent, Inductive or Resistive.
>
> I have a case of these that I never used that are brand new in the box.
> These normally sell for about $28 but I'll sell what I have for $19 each
> delivered.
>

Thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it. With AGC they are
probably better in receiving codes than what we have now. But first I'll
have to buy a few CF flood lights to see if they can generate enough
lumens to light the areas where we play ping-pong in the evenings.
That's where most of our flood lights are.

For some reason the dimmer modules have always worked fine. The plug-in
units are the ones that sometimes miss a command.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com