Hi Gloria,
I take that you were trying to use a dimmer on a fluorescent lamp?.
Fluorescent lamps are not made to be dimmed.
A compact fluorescent lamp will flash if there is not enough current to maintain the gaseous discharge within the tube.
Dimmers will only work on an Incandescent (Filament) type lamp.
In some cases you can do the Diac and Triac some damage by switching fluorescents on and off with a dimmer in line.
Other side of the coin,
Having installed these lamps in my bedroom, there is one feature that I like about them.
Having been to a few night-time fire calls, I like the fact that they don't come on instantly to full brightness.
A nice soft white glow is enough for me to throw some clothes on and be gone, instead of being blinded with an instant 200W of incandescent light, which takes a wee while for your eyes to adjust to.
And I'm saving power!.
Mind you the Heat-pump has had a hiding lately.
