Can compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) be used with dimmers or electronic timers? What about dimmable CFLs?
No, primarily due to electronic interference between the ballast of the CFL and the dimmers or electronic timers. Dimmers and electronic timers often allow the CFL to dim to such a low level that allows voltage to “leak” into the ballast which can cause many problems including drastically reduced life of the CFL. There are some “dimmable” CFLs in the market – however, they are only partially dimmable and may heavily depend on the type and quality of dimmer used.
