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View Full Version : When using a 3 way bulb in a standard light socket, which wattage lights up?


bell foto art
Jan 4, 2009, 07:16 PM
When using a 3 way bulb in a standard light socket, which wattage lights up?

Lets say you screw in a 50-100-150watt 3 way bulb in a standard on/off lamp, which wattage will turn on when you turn on the lamp. What happens if you put a 3 way bulb into a non-switched lamp, planning to use a foot dimmer. Will the dimmer cause it to dimm through it's
50-100-150watt cycle, or will it not work at all?

twinkiedooter
Jan 4, 2009, 07:18 PM
The 50 watt setting will be the one that lights up. The other 2 settings will not be activated at all. Don't know the answer to the second part though to be honest with you.

Stratmando
Jan 9, 2009, 03:38 PM
Set the lamp for maximum level desired, then only dim by the foot switch.
Be sure it can handle 150 watts.
If using a dimmer, you could use a regular bulb.
Sort of like a Belt AND suspenders.
Switching is 50 watts, 100 watts, then both filiments(150 watts)