Set the scene for energy savings

The dimmable Philips Tornado T3 energy saver

Philips dimmable Tornado provides the best of both worlds, the compact size of a Tornado Energy saver lamp with a capability to work with most consumer dimmers*. The Tornado T3 with phase cutting technology is so discreet it is practically hidden from view. Best of all, you will save even more energy when the light is dimmed.

So now you can install an energy efficient lamp that shines brilliantly bright when you need the light – and offers the scene-setting advantages of dimmable lighting.

Why choose Philips dimmable Tornado?

• Light levels can be adjusted to suit the scene
• Can be used with most conventional dimmers*  
• Offers a wide range of dimming (from 5 to 100%)*
• Fast run up time  
• Starts up at minimum dimmer level of 5%  
• Compact and attractive design to suit many fittings  
• Quality Philips technology delivers up to 80% energy savings over incandescent bulbs  
• Light does not flicker*  
• No hum*  

* Test performed in Philips laboratories based on dimming capability, flickering, humming and ignite at low dimming level with most consumer dimmers.
 

Applications

Philips dimmable Tornado lamps are an ideal replacement for incandescent bulbs and standard energy savers in indoor fixtures, meeting both functional and aesthetic lighting requirements. Ideal for living, dining rooms, bedrooms, halls and studies for those who are looking for practical energy savings and who take pride in their home’s interior design. The new Philips dimmable Tornado lamps can generally be used where you currently have dimmer switches installed.To ensure the maximum life of the product we recommend using it in a well ventilated or unsealed light fitting.
 

Note: A 500W dimmer support maximum five (5) 20W Energy Savers.

Compatibility

Dimmable T3 is suitable for most consumer dimmers with phase cutting technology. For Australia, we recommend use with: Clipsal E3031HD, Clipsal 32E450UDM, Clipsal 32E450TM, PDL CAT624TM, HPM CAT400L or HPM CAT400T with a single dimmable Tornado.

In case you want to connect more than one lamp (up to four), the dimmer that has shown the best performance is Clipsal 32E450TM.

Alternatively, the new Clipsal 32E2CFLDM, has shown an excellent range of dimming options (from 9% to 100%)*, allowing connection to up to 15 lamps with 1 Dimmer.

Frequently asked questions

Why did it take so long to come with a dimmable energy saving lamp?
Energy saving lamp technology has existed for over 20 years but in that time there has not been a proliferation in dimming technology or standards making compatibility problematic. Now, with smaller IC technology available, it is possible to develop lamps in an reasonable size that will be compatible with numerous dimmer types.

Why has Philips chosen now as the correct time to introduce a dimmable lamp?
Philips has a trusted reputation and is recognized as the benchmark in Lighting. In order to guarantee high performance products we only release them to market when they satisfy our rigorous standards and end user expectations.

Is there a current trend towards dimmer use?
In developed countries, lighting as a functional requirement is progressing rapidly towards “scene setting”, where users require and expect light to be able to adapted around activities and aesthetic requirements. This we see clearly in use of dimmers that allow various light levels to be achieved for different lighting situations.

What technologies for dimming exist?
Many technologies for dimming exist. In general, two main technologies can be distinguished. The first one being conventional dimmers. The can easily be recognized by a turning knob or slider on your wall or fixture. The second type are electronic dimmers that are operated by a electronic panel. The dimming function is indicated on the panel by, for example, arrows or a plus and minus sign.

On which dimmers the Philips will work?
The Philips Dimmable energy saving lamp is designed to work on conventional dimmers that are operated by a turning knob or a slider. Several technologies exist, like capacitive dimmers or leading/trailing edge dimmers, but all are operated by either a knob or slider. Our dimmable energy saving lamp has been designed to work with most of this type of dimmers. Dimmable T3 do not work on sophisticated protocols like C-bus, nor digital dimmers (keep pushing the ''down'' or ''up'' arrow on your control panel).

Does dimming save you even more energy?
When dimming a lamp, what actually happens is that the input power of the lamp is reduced by the dimmer. As a result you will save even more power when dimming a lamp.

Does the dimming behaviour of the user influence the life time of the lamp?
 As with any CFL-i lamp, user behavior could have effect on lamp lifetime. We already take into account various user behaviors in our lifetime indication as stated on packaging.

How many lamps can be used on 1 dimmer?
Dimmers typically indicate the maximum power they can operate i.e. 500W. Although the limitation is indicated in Watt, the actual technical limitation is the current that will flow in the dimmer, measured in Ampere. Taking the maximum wattage of an incandescent into account, being 100W, the maximum number of incandescent lamps is 5 pieces on a 500w dimmer. When stating the maximum power of 500w, the manufacturer of the dimmer took into account the current a 100w bulb generates. The current flow for energy saving lamps is not comparable to that of an incandescent lamp. The current that will flow for our 20w dimmable lamp is comparable to a 100w incandescent lamp. As a result you can use maximum 5 of our 20w dimmable energy saving lamps on a traditional 500w dimmer.

Does the color of the light change when dimmed?
Our dimmable energy saving lamp is available in two ‘’white’’ colors, being ‘’Warm White’’ and ‘’Cool Day Light’’. When dimmed, both versions will maintain their distinct color impressions. Although there is a slight difference in light color between maximum and minimum light output, the difference is hardly visible to the human eye.