3-way LED bulbs?

[dparm]

I have two lamps at home that use the 3-way (50/100/150W) standard-sized lightbulbs. GE claims they're around 1700 lumens when turned all the way up. I'm all for switching to LEDs, but I can't seem to find any that support the 3-way functionality. There are only dimmable ones in Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.

I did find one online but it's much lower wattage (equivalent) and only about half as many lumens.

Anyone have suggestions?

 

[JHZR2]

They sell 3-way CFLs, and while I'm totally an LED fan, I'd use those CFLs without hesitation.

Lots of LEDs are dimmable... For incandescent bulbs, I'd imagine the circuit (resistor) was in the lamp base (not sure). Not sure what the circuit is or how it works. But in a 3-way fixture we have that is made for incandescents, the CFLs work perfect. I'll run a test and see how a dimmable Cree works.

Edit:no go on 3way ops on a dimmablr Cree.

 

[KenO]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
They sell 3-way CFLs, and while I'm totally an LED fan, I'd use those CFLs without hesitation.

Lots of LEDs are dimmable... For incandescent bulbs, I'd imagine the circuit (resistor) was in the lamp base (not sure). Not sure what the circuit is or how it works. But in a 3-way fixture we have that is made for incandescents, the CFLs work perfect. I'll run a test and see how a dimmable Cree works.

Edit:no go on 3way ops on a dimmablr Cree.



The dimming, or 'resistor' you speak of is the dimmer switch itself. You'll also need to change out the dimmer switch to an LED-compatible unit.

 

[jeremiah2360]

http://www.switchlightingco.com/lib/pdf/SWITCH3way-2013.pdf

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: jeremiah2360
http://www.switchlightingco.com/lib/pdf/SWITCH3way-2013.pdf


Saw that, but the light output is a good 30-50% below the incandescent that I have.

 

[JHZR2]

Why not go with something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/GE-79455-3-Way-Energy-equals/dp/B00443QPW6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_3

Despite my love for LEDs and my recent melted CFL thread, IMO this is the most straightforward way to go.

And 2100 lumens at max output.

 

[Mykl]

I've been wondering this myself. Would a dimmable LED work in a three way and adjust light output depending on the setting?

I guess I could test this out soon. I have some lights in my foyer that I'm going to convert to LED tied to a dimmer switch. So before I install them I'll try one out in the three way lamp I have.

I'm also on the "LED ROCKS" train. I hate CFLs. Soon the only incandescents in my house will be the Edison style ones in certain light fixtures that aren't high use.

 

[edhackett]

No, a dimmable LED will not work in a three way lamp.

A 3-way bulb has two contacts on the base and two filaments. Using a 50/100/150 as an example, the first switch position turns on a 50W filament, the second turns on a 100W filament, and the third turns them both on.

The replacement 3-way CFL and LED bulbs are designed to use the two power inputs as the original incandescent did.

Ed

 

[Cujet]

Originally Posted By: dparm
I have two lamps at home that use the 3-way (50/100/150W) standard-sized lightbulbs. GE claims they're around 1700 lumens when turned all the way up. I'm all for switching to LEDs, but I can't seem to find any that support the 3-way functionality. There are only dimmable ones in Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.

I did find one online but it's much lower wattage (equivalent) and only about half as many lumens.

Anyone have suggestions?


Just at a lowes in San Jose Cali. They have led 3 ways with 150w ratings. Looks like an interesting design.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Originally Posted By: Cujet


Just at a lowes in San Jose Cali. They have led 3 ways with 150w ratings. Looks like an interesting design.

Were they CFLs or LEDs?

 

[Cujet]

Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Originally Posted By: Cujet


Just at a lowes in San Jose Cali. They have led 3 ways with 150w ratings. Looks like an interesting design.

Were they CFLs or LEDs?


LEDs

 

[Cujet]

The first one is 600/1100/1600 lumens, the second is 800/1600/2200 lumens.

They had some variant of the bulb, illuminated in a box, on display and it looked really good. Nice color temperature and a pleasing look. It clearly lights the box nicely and reasonably evenly. Don't be fooled by the outside appearance. Both bulbs had a 2700K color temperature.