Leviton Z-Wave Dimmers + CFL Safe?

[wolfdown]

Can anyone confirm that its OK to use CFL bulbs with the Leviton zwave dimmers? I plan on using CFLs for some of my lighting, but since the prices between the switch and dimmer version are basically the same, I want to get the dimmers for an upgrade path down the road.

The leviton dimmers can be programmed for "instant" on and off, plus you can default the "on" position to always go to 100% output. The only issue is to remember not to use the dimmer buttons on the CFL circuits, but I think that is not really an issue.

I have tested a CFL bulb with the leviton Zwave dimmer and it appears to work fine. I'm more worried about safety and long term affects on the switch or the CFL that would cause them to fail prematurely.

So what route should I take?

 

[michelkenny]

As long as you don't dim, it should be fine. I have a bunch of UPB dimmers with CFLs (with dimming disabled) and they have been fine for a year.

 

[etc6849]

I'm interested in knowing how they work in the long run, so please update this thread as you do testing.

I don't know a lot about flourescent lamps, but should you be concerned with the much higher inrush current as compared to that of an incandescent? Since the flourescent lamp has a electronic ballast I bet the inrush current is high; this over time (e.g. a bunch of state changes), could eventually affect the dimmer. I'm not sure though.

Any chance you can post this in under Leviton's knowledege base and give a link here? One of Leviton's engineers from the Vizia RF line monitors the thread: http://communities.leviton.com/community/knowledgebaseforums/home_automation?view=discussions

 

[ddennerline]

I have tried to use VRI06 dimmers without success for solo CFL installation. The CFL will flicker violently. The http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ProductDetail.jsp?partnumber=VRI10-1LX&section=44140&minisite=10251 specifies incandescence load. VRI06 dimmers do not require a neutral, so there is minimum amount of current that is drawn from circuit. I have been able to get a garage lights (4-5 lights) to work with VRS05 by installing at least one incandescence bulb at end of chain.

 

[Deane Johnson]

How about LED bulbs instead of CFL?. Has anyone tried them with the Leviton Z-Wave dimmers?