Non dimmable CFLs on a Dimmer switch

[Zick]

Is there any problem using non-dimmable CFLs with dimmable switches (2476D)?

I understand that I can't use the dimming feature but if I left the switch at 100% on level and ramp rate to the lowest setting would I have any problems?

Only reason I ask is because I have a bunch of non dimmable CFLs that I bought long ago and never used and would like to use them until they go bad.

[LeeG]

Smarthome says don't use them. Worst that can happen is the CFLs or the Dimmer is damaged. Give it a try.

[Zick]

Smarthome says don't use them. Worst that can happen is the CFLs or the Dimmer is damaged. Give it a try.

 

Well I'm not too worried about the CFLs but I'd hate to damage a dimmer switch.

[LeeG]

When the manufacture says incandescent only you assume the risk. Some have used CFLs with no problem. Some have had problems. There is no way to insure the CFLs will not be dimmed. Pressing a Controller button a little too long such that a ramp up or ramp down happens is inevitable. Too many different CFLs to know the results.

[Zick]

I understand that if a manufactor says not to do it and I do, that I am taking that chance.

That's why I posted the question because I did not know that Insteon said not to do this. I was also just wondering if anyone had experence with this setup or not before.

 

Thanks

[oberkc]

I have used non-dimmable CFLs on insteon dimmer switches. I set on levels to 100% and ramp rates to instantaneous.

 

Interestingly, when CFLs were relatively new (and before they were dimmable), I had some cases where insteon relay devices (plug-in modules) with smaller CFLs would not respond to commands, whereas insteon dimmer modules with these same CFLs would work. Because I wanted to use CFLs and control them with insteon, this forced me to use dimmable modules with non-dimming CFLs.

 

I have not experienced this problem with newer devices or lamps. With the introduction of LED, and my general dissatisfaction with the dimming performance of CFL, I tend to keep CFLs on relays only. Still, I think I have two cases of non-dimming CFLs on dimmer modules. Have been this way for about four years now and see no reason to change. They work. They continue to work. I have had no device or lamp failure during this period. They are controlled by ISY-99 program only, so risk of accidental dimming is minimal.

[Zick]

Thanks oberkc, that's good to hear.

Hopefully I'll be lucky and not have any problems either.