I have a 3 way lamp and attached a 3 way dimmer. I've heard something about filaments and don't understand ?

Question

what they are. Can I use a regular bulb in the highest wattage the lamp allows or use a 3 way bulb? Also, if I use a 3 way and just tap on the lamp for light, do I first turn the lamp on to the first second or third click?

Answer 1

Normally, there is a sticker that tells you not to exceed the wattage in s******g in a bulb, if it says not more than 60 watts, then you buy a 60watt bulb or smaller wattage. The filament is in bulb and is a thin wire that the electrical current runs through and heats up white hot to give you the light per se,You can't do anything about it. When it burns its self open you just replace the bulb. Always turn a light on by starting at the lowest setting, the surge on the highest setting increases the possibility of burning out the filament.

Answer 2

I've hooked up a lot of dimmers, but never heard of one being able to handle a three way bulb.  

Answer 3

I'm a lighting consultant, and it sounds like you need to use one or the other. A 3-way bulb has 3 filaments inside 50-100-150 or whatever yours is rated for, a dimmer or tap switch doesn't "read" or isn't compatable.

Use the highest wattage bulb and then the dimmer.