AC Soft Start Incandescent Lamp switch (*FINAL EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS*)

[hgg]

Will a simple (properly chosen) thermistor in line work?

Yes.

[PostalPreacher]

Then buy the cheap one, by all means, but I'd go down to the Lowe's or Home Depot and try one first. It is actually pretty pleasant.

[PostalPreacher]

Will a simple (properly chosen) thermistor in line work?

Yes.

Thank you. Time to find some thermistors and do some experimenting on the bench.

[hgg]

You're welcome.   

[chris_leyson]

I read in an old lighting handbook that if you reduce the voltage by 5% an incandescent will last 2000 hours.

[IanB]

I read in an old lighting handbook that if you reduce the voltage by 5% an incandescent will last 2000 hours.

There's an exponential relationship between filament life and operating voltage. For instance, if you run a 100 W bulb at 60 W it will last essentially forever.