Simple dimmer question

[rackeu]

I replaced a switch with a dimmer to a bathroom light. Two wires on the switch, two wires on the dimmer. Should be simple.

Light turns on and full brightness with dimmer slide to the max. Try to slide for less light output and the light goes out. In other words the slide powers the light for the first 1/16th of an inch and throughout the rest of the 1/2 inch slide, the light remains out.

What am I missing?

Also it's an over vanity light with 4 40wattt bulbs.

Thanks,

 

[bdamico]

u sure u got incandescents in there?

 

[aka Larry]

Sounds like your trying to dim a CFL?

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

Sounds like your trying to dim a CFL?

^This. Many new fixture either come with CFL bulbs or they have a stupid prong base that force the homeowner to buy CFL's.

Even if you buy the special 'dimmable' CFL's, you really won't be happy with the flickering output...

Either that or you have a bad dimmer switch!

 

[ddawg16]

Considering the cost of dimmable CFL's, an LED is not much more....and will last longer and dim down further...

Also, make sure your using the right kind of dimmer. Lutron has a new dimmer that is pretty much universal...works on CFL's, LED's and incandescents.

 

[rackeu]

Yes it is with incandescent bulbs, not CLF.

It must be a defective dimmer.

I did paint the dimmer as the wife wanted to have it match the walls, could that possibly have something to do with it?

 

[rlitman]

Painting the coverplate is not an issue, but the face of the dimmer is usually a heat sink, and that shouldn't be painted.

 

[bdamico]

switch the bulbs, take out half the bulbs, switch the dimmer--just troubleshoot

 

[Nostraquedeo]

Can you switch these lights from more than one area?

 

[bdamico]

Can you switch these lights from more than one area?

two wires

 

[justsam]

Does the dimmer have a LINE and a LOAD side? Typically black for LINE and blue for LOAD. Could you have them reversed?