Dumber about Dimmers

[maiden]

When using halogen lights on a dimmer switch do I use less electricity when I have the lights dimmed? Also, do I get more light per buck with halogen than I would with tungsten lights?
Thanks

[volts]

maiden: Yes, there is less lamp power consumed with dimming along with a small and corresponding dissipation of power within the dimmer device circuitry. Halogens do produce somewhat more lumens than ordinary tungstens; for instance a 60W halogen (about 15% eff.) will produce about the same light as a 100W tungsten (about 10% eff.). But remember, halogens do better essentialy because they can run VERY MUCH HOTTER without failing. Now, has your burden been lightened?

[LazyPup]

Volts you made one point that i think bears a bit more attention. Halogens are able to produce more light because they operate at much higher temperatures.

With that thought in mind, halogens lamps should only be used in fixtures that are rated for halogens. In my estimation attempting to convert conventional incandescent fixtures to operate halogen lamps would not be a wise move.