I had to fit a replacement light switch for a dimmer switch today so that I could start using low energy spot bulbs on the overhead lights concerned.  The switch came from Homebase.

I found I had a question about whether the switch was suitable for a 5 x 18w low energy spot fluorescent load configuration in place of the previous 5 x 60W incandescent load and so looked at the help leaflet that came with the switch.  I practically fell off my chair to find a company with a generally Currys style approach to marketing (omnipresent at most large retail parks and with often not the cheapest prices) using an 0121 number for their main national customer support line.

I rang the number and it was answered in 2 rings and I got a rapid answer that yes the switch was suitable for this purpose.

But now I look into this further I find that Homebase is now part of Home Retail Group who also own Argos and has recently been de-merged from Great Universal Stores (Homebase having originally been set up by Sainsburys).  And strangely Argos uses 0870 for their customer support line while Homebase does use 0845 for its main customer enquiry line listed on its website.

I can only assume that Homebase have contracted technical support for its products to a third party company who does not believe in joining the great telephone ripoff, even though they clearly run a large call centre.  All I can say is hats off to these people whoever they are for doing the right thing by the customer.  The sad thing is they get no credit for it due to useless Ofcom still failing to make it punishable with large fines to describe 0845 and 0870 numbers as local and national rate if the description is not in an advertisement. And even if it is an advertisement all the ASA does is write a polite letter to the firm suggesting it desists - it does not hit them with a big fine for their misdeeds.

allegro wrote on Feb 8^th, 2007 at 8:19pm:


I was replacing a dimmer switch with a conventional switch so I could fit the low energy bulbs so the new switch is likely to have been compatible.

I only raised the question because an MK conventional (non dimmable) switch that I tried to fit to replace the dimmer switch but that disintegrated when I tried to connect the mains wires in the terminals (not what you expect from MK) actually specifically said it was suitable for fluorescent bulbs.  This one just says it supports up to 10amps, which ought to be enough for a 90w load.  But logically a conventional switch is bound to be fine.

I know a dimmer doesn't work.  When I tried them with the dimmer they were flickering wildly even with the dimmer turned right up.

These are low energy R80 fluorescents by the way.  A place called www.yourwelcome.co.uk sold them for £1.20 each on an offer but B&Q charge £20 each for an R80 low energy replacements.  Only snag is they seem to be 18W each rather than 12W as I was expecting but when you consider I had five on my overhead kitchen spot tracks and this cuts the consumption from 300W to 90W its still a cost effective result .  I can't justify the other £94 on buying the bulbs to save the other 30W.  These seem fine but give off a much harsher whiter light than the spot bulbs did.  Those gave a more yellow warm light.

allegro wrote on Feb 9^th, 2007 at 8:08am:


The better known makes like Osram and Philips tend to give the best results with warmest light.  The problem is that low energy spots are still a charter for scammers with major brand names being charged at £20 each in R80 size.  That does still save £8.46 a year if you have the bulb on for 2200 hours a year or so but the pay back time is nearly as long as the bulb's expected 6000 hour life.

These were cheap unbranded low energy spots from www.yourwelcome.co.uk costing about £1.50 each or so on a Special Offer.  The light is a very harsh white that feels like an operating theatre although there is plenty of light given out.

And just to emphasise the Rip-Off factor, I bought a pack of three 20W compact flouro (energy saving) bulbs whilst home in Australia recently for $AU14.98  - thats about £6.00 - or TWO pounds each!

Twenty quid? I'm still shaking my head in disbelief......   

mikeinnc wrote on Feb 9^th, 2007 at 6:57pm:


Not really the right forum for this kind of thing but just one more comment: Morrisons are selling Philips Energy Saver 60W equivalent (and 100W equivalent) at two for 99p (less than 50p each). The actual wattage (11W) is different from the Walmart items, presumably because the voltage is different.