How to Dim a Compact Fluorescent Bulb

by Ryan VanSickle

Overview

Increasingly popular, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs offer benefits spanning environmental and budgetary concerns since they use less electricity. Their impact on lowering power bills and reducing waste plus their dramatically longer life span make them an ideal replacement for traditional incandescent light bulbs. However, only specially made dimmer bulbs should be used in applications with a dimmer switch. Once scarce, these bulbs are now widely available.
Installing a CFL Dimmer Bulb

Step 1

Find out what wattage CFL bulb you will need. Look at the light fixture or incandescent bulb to see what wattage is ideal for your use.
Step 2

Match the wattage of the incandescent bulb to the needed CFL wattage. Comparisons to help you match are available online.
Step 3

Go to your local hardware store, department store or online to purchase a CFL bulb of the needed wattage. Be sure only to buy a CFL bulb that is designed for a dimmer switch--this will be marked on the package.
Step 4

Remove the old bulb from the fixture and dispose of it using recommended CFL recycling guidelines.
Step 5

Install your new CFL bulb. When screwing the bulb in, hold it by the base rather than the glass body to ensure that the bulb does not break.

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Dimmer light CFL dimmer bulb
Dimmer light
CFL dimmer bulb
Only buy bulbs that are made for use with dimmer switches. Other CFL bulbs might not work correctly, or they may have a drastically reduced lifespan.
Only buy bulbs that are made for use with dimmer switches. Other CFL bulbs might not work correctly, or they may have a drastically reduced lifespan.
CFL bulbs contain mercury, a hazardous material. Be sure to follow safety guidelines when recycling them or cleaning up broken bulbs.
CFL bulbs contain mercury, a hazardous material. Be sure to follow safety guidelines when recycling them or cleaning up broken bulbs.

Overview