Do CFL bulbs come in a 3-way? (light, warm, replace) - House -remodeling, decorating, construction, energy use, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, building, rooms - City-Data Forum

blueberrie · 08-22-2009, 02:41 PM

I want to replace the 3-way bulbs in my lamps with the new CFL (compact fluorescent), but I can't find any that come in a small enough size to fit my table lamps. I stumped the Lowe's employee when I asked her that question today. Does anyone know the answer, and if they are available, where?

PerkyandPunctual · 08-22-2009, 02:55 PM

I wasn't able to find them at Lowe's either. I got some at Target about two weeks ago. They are 12/23/29 which is the equivalent of 50/100/150 if I remember correctly and they are GE brand. They're working great.

Omaha Rocks · 08-22-2009, 04:24 PM

Yes, you can get 3-way CFL bulbs. The ones I have are the equivalent of 50-100-150.

I cannot say which brand is which, but there is a difference in the quality. I'd suggest you go with a good bulb from a good company - not a WalMart off-brand cheapie.

stillkit · 08-22-2009, 09:49 PM

See if you can find a CFL bulb made in the USA.

I couldn't.

Ohiogirl81 · 08-22-2009, 11:25 PM

I have some -- no idea where they were made -- but they're ineffective. The brightest setting is not bright enough to read by.

golfgal · 08-23-2009, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

I have some -- no idea where they were made -- but they're ineffective. The brightest setting is not bright enough to read by.

I found the same thing unless you leave the light on for several hours for it to ramp up to the full potential. I find this issue with most CFL though.

sailordave · 08-23-2009, 06:42 AM

You may need to buy a different yolk for your lamp in order to use these three way bulbs. Some are very wide. They do need to warm up to full brightness. Found one that works in an unusual way. It comes on in the medium setting, then to low, then to high. I thought the thing was broken until I read the package.

harry chickpea · 08-23-2009, 09:53 AM

Ummm, that would be yoke (as in oxen yoke). If you were using egg yolks, that could cause a problem unless you wanted your light sunny side up.

sailordave · 08-23-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

Ummm, that would be yoke (as in oxen yoke). If you were using egg yolks, that could cause a problem unless you wanted your light sunny side up.

I was hungry

Nice catch

Omaha Rocks · 08-23-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

I have some -- no idea where they were made -- but they're ineffective. The brightest setting is not bright enough to read by.

Weird. I really like our 3-way for reading.

I wonder if yours is a different power rating or something.