...Also anyone remember how much do they reduce the light output?
I'd like to say about 50%, because, logically the bulb is only getting ½ of the sine wave. But, IIRC, reading on the NG:comp.home.automation, duty-cycle vs. watts consumed wasn't proportional (SEARCH for Dave Houston - he did a *LOT* of interesting tests).
One device sold to do this is an ordinary silicon diode built into a cap that is made to stick to the base of a light bulb. A diode lets current through in only one direction, causing the bulb to get power only 50 percent of the time if it is operated on AC. This effectively reduces the applied voltage by about 30 percent. (Reducing the voltage to its original value times the square root of .5 results in the same power consumption as applying full voltage half the time.) The life expectancy is increased very dramatically. However, the power consumption is reduced by about 40 percent (not 50 since the cooler filament has less resistance) and light output is reduced by about 70 percent (cooler filaments are less efficient at radiating visible light).
Before *CHEAP* CFLs, I replaced a 25 Watt Tungsten in the kitchen over the little breakfast table with a 40 Watt Tungsten with thumbswitch / diode. WAF didn't change, so, I guess it was close. :-\
...There's no reason why they would affect an X10 signal is there?
Come on Steven - what kind of Tinkerer / Oldtimer are you? ::)
- Wall switch or lamp module
. - 1N400X diode, where X > 2
. - 120VAC Test lamp (or drop light or old lamp, etc...)
. - A few pieces of scrap zip cord, alligator clips, wire nuts, etc...
Please be sure to post your results! ;)
Tick... Tick... Tick... ;)
Overstock.Com: Longlite Energy-saving Light Bulb Semiconductors (25-pack) @ $50.00 (http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD_ID=2105792&cid=25608&fp=F)
(http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/L10389245.jpg)
Longlite Energy-saving Light Bulb Semiconductors (25-pack)
Used by many large and well known hotel and industrial businesses for years, Longlite is now offering this energy saving device for residential home use in a 25-count pack. The patented and UL/CE certified QL-3 is a semiconductor power control device. Their documented technology increases lamp life by 300 percent and saves 10-percent energy. In addition, the QL-3's Soft Start capability protects the lamp against unwanted voltage spikes, including during in-rush.
Simply peel off the adhesive backing and secure the semiconductor to the base of your home light bulbs.
- Attaches to bottom of bulb contact with transfer adhesive
- Use with existing or new bulb
- 120- and 130-volt applications
- Up to 150 watts
- Universal operating position
- Dimmable with standard dimmers
- Patented Micro-chip technology uses speed switching to control and reduce the voltage received by the lamp
- Soft Start technology protects against in-rush
- Supports Energy Star, Energy policy Act Standards, and LEED, ASHRAE/IES initiatives
- Conserves natural resources and reduces pollution
- Maintains visible light level
- Flicker free
- No audible line noise
- No interruption of the tungsten halogen cycle
- No change in Color Rendering Index (CRI)
- No changes to color temperature (chromaticity or Kelvins)
For use ONLY with incandescent and halogen type light bulbs. Will NOT work on fluorescent bulbs.
Warranty: 1 Year -- Manufacturer
Materials: Plastic, metal
Model No: QL-3
Dimensions: .75 in. x .25 in.
aka: longlite[/size]
[TTA Edit: Added description to LINK; Added details for future reference.]