Dimmer Light Switch Electrical Issue. Need Help!

[lazymonkeygod]

Hi All, here's the situation.

I have 4 potlights on one dimmer switch. I bought some CFL potlight bulbs that are capable of dimming. When I install all 4 light bulbs, one doesn't come on. If I install only 3 CFL and one regular bulb, all 4 bulb comes one. I've alternated the bulbs to ensure it's not a bad CFL bulb and same thing happens. So as long as I have 3 CFL and one regular, things work fine. As soon as I install the fourth, then one will never turn on. Not sure why that happens. Can anybody here tell me what's wrong?

[JAC]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp

"many dimmers installed for use with incandescent bulbs do not function acceptably below 40 W, whereas CFL applications commonly draw power in the range 7-20 W."

You may need a new switch.

[BuildingHomes]

CFLs and LEDs just aren't ready for the dimming world yet.

We are working on a project trying to dim a couple of hundred LED GU10s, and on the 3rd manufacture of bulbs now.

[kevv]

Hi All, here's the situation.

I have 4 potlights on one dimmer switch. I bought some CFL potlight bulbs that are capable of dimming. When I install all 4 light bulbs, one doesn't come on. If I install only 3 CFL and one regular bulb, all 4 bulb comes one. I've alternated the bulbs to ensure it's not a bad CFL bulb and same thing happens. So as long as I have 3 CFL and one regular, things work fine. As soon as I install the fourth, then one will never turn on. Not sure why that happens. Can anybody here tell me what's wrong?

must have something to do with resistance... why bother with cfl is using dimmer voltage is lowered when reg. bulbs used..... cant see the extra expense with cfl and dimmer