Dimmer with CFL

[adey]

Ok, so I've just decorated the nursery and the missus has decided we 'need' a dimmer switch. Fine I say, that'll be a doddle! So I look online and find the this beauty http://www.amazon.co.uk/Varilight-S...CD5S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344758531&sr=8-2
Given the recent expenditure on all the things we 'need' for the baby, the price looks very appealing. But then I notice there is a minimum wattage of 60W quoted, and I have a CFL lamp/bulb nowhere near that...hmmmph, not quite the doddle I first thought!
So if the minimum is 60W does that mean I'll have to do away with my energy saving lamp and use an incandescent one? Or can I use a CFL lamp with an equivalent 60W rating?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Not all CFL are dimable!
You need to have a dimable CFL and a suitable low load dimmer switch.
Links below:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...gy_Saving_Lamps_Index/Dimmable_CFL/index.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...es~Dimmers_All/LEDlite_LED_Dimmers/index.html

 

[bernardgreen]

So if the minimum is 60W does that mean I'll have to do away with my energy saving lamp and use an incandescent one? Or can I use a CFL lamp with an equivalent 60W rating?

Incandescent is probably best all round option in a nursery.

Some CFLs produce a very high pitched whistle sound which is far too high for adults to hear but may be audible to very young children whose range of hearing is much wider than that of adults. A friend's dog will get up and leave the room if a CFL is switched on and not go back in while the lamp is lit.

There is also the very small risk of mercury and/or toxic dust if a CFL tube is shattered. Harmless ( ) to adults but I wouldn't like to risk it with a baby or small child.