NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Which type of lamp is most commonly known for its ability to be easily dimmed?

1. LED lamps

2. Xenon lamps

3. Incandescent lamps

4. CFLs

The correct answer is: Incandescent lamps

Incandescent lamps are most commonly recognized for their ability to be easily dimmed. This is largely due to their design, which allows for a straightforward adjustment of the electrical current flowing through the filament. When the voltage is decreased, the filament temperature lowers, resulting in a reduced light output. This dimming capability makes incandescent bulbs very versatile for various applications, particularly in residential settings, where ambiance and mood lighting are often desired. In contrast, while LED lamps can also be dimmed, not all LED fixtures come equipped with dimming capabilities and they require compatible dimmer switches. Xenon lamps, while they do offer some dimming options, are generally less common in residential use. Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are not typically designed for dimming and usually require specific dimmable versions, which are less common and can be more expensive than standard CFLs. Therefore, the ease and widespread application of dimming with incandescent lamps solidify their reputation in this regard.