Bulb flickers when dimmers turned down

[PULLMYFINGER]

Hi,


wondered if anyone could tell me whats wrong.

I have just installed a dimmer switch and when the bulb is turned down low the bulb flickers and the switch makes a quiet humming.

Is it the bulb or a dodgy switch?


Thanks

 

[RF Lighting]

What type and rating is the lamp (bulb)?

What is the minimum and maximum rating of the dimmer?

 

[bongos]

Could be either. What type of lamp are you using? Some are not dimmable.

Also if the wattage is too low for the dimmer then strange things can happen. Dimmers have a maximum rating and they also have a minimum. Some CFL lamps will not work on their own with a dimmer becuase the wattage is too low.

 

[PULLMYFINGER]

How can you tell what bulb is sufficient. It says nowt on the enclosed installation information.

It's a 1 gang 400w dimmer and the bulb i've put in is a 40w

 

[bongos]

What type of lamp are you using? Some are not dimmable.

Also, what is the minimum rating of the dimmer?

 

[johnnykc]

How can you tell what bulb is sufficient. It says nowt on the enclosed installation information.

It's a 1 gang 400w dimmer and the bulb i've put in is a 40w

Normal minimum rating for a 400w dimmer is 60w....

 

[PULLMYFINGER]

Yeah i was using a 60watt but i just changed the bulb and all was fine the hum from the switch practically stoped too. The bulb must not have been dimmer compatible.

Cheers for the help...