Technical difference(s) between GLS/reflectors and candle lamps?

Aug 26, 2005 3 Replies

Following on from a recent thread (but not wanting to divert his discussion away hence this new one) regarding the commonly known de-rating of dimmers for use with halogen lamps can anyone tell me why it is also neccessary to de-rate dimmer capacity for candle lamps against GLS/reflectors?



I can understand that the inrush currents for halogens when cold are far higher than that for GLS lamps, hence the de-rating, however what are the technical differences between a candle lamp and a similarly-rated GLS/reflector lamp? I had, clearly errouneously, assumed that the 'innards' were the same and that it was merely the shape of the bulb that was different?



Can anyone err... enlighten me? ;-)



Mathew



As I understand it, candle bulbs are unusually prone to failing near short circuit. So, you want a higher rated dimmer to cope with the spike when they fail.

300W of candles will reliably kill one of B&Q's 400W dimmers after a bulb failure. 8-( (I have the pile of failed dimmers)

Thank you both for the responses - I had no context for the question other than general interest so they should suffice!

Mathew

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