How many lamps on a dimmer switch?

[bramble1]

I am looking to install a dimmer switch with dimmable energy saving bulbs: -

http://www.ebulbshop.com/acatalog/7...DIMMABLE_ENERGY_SAVING_CANDLE_LIGHT_BULB.html

Megaman state that 'You have to divide the maximum rating of the dimmer by 6 to get the amount of CFL power you can use.' So 240w / 6 = 40w.

Just want to be sure though, am I taking the actual power stated (7w) or the equivalent (35w)? Using actual would not make sense to me, as most dimmer switches I have seen have a minimum load of 40w. I only have 2 lamps, so using the actual power, I'd only have 14w.

Any ideas?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Just want to be sure though, am I taking the actual power stated (7w) or the equivalent (35w)?

Actual.

Using actual would not make sense to me, as most dimmer switches I have seen have a minimum load of 40w.

Yes, and many dimmers will not work properly with a CFL only load because of that.

I only have 2 lamps, so using the actual power, I'd only have 14w.

Your dimmer may or may not work.

Any ideas?

SIAS.

 

[Chri5]

Pretty sure you will be unhappy with the 7w ones at full tilt (and having warmed them up for 60 secs), let alone dimming them.

Worse still it does look like Megaman DONT offer anything as a candle that dims above the 7w

If you really want a dimmer for 14w total load, there's plenty out there- see here:-


http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...ers_All/Varilight_Low_Load_Dimmers/index.html

 

[ban-all-sheds]

They do a 9W.

I guess it depends what incandescents the OP uses - if 40W he might just be happy with a 9W CFL. Anything brighter and he'll have to put up with a noticeably dimmer light.