I've bought more and so far they are working well with INSTEON, Z-Wave, and X10 modules. They are dimmable via the triacs found in automation modules. The brightness ramp curve isn't exactly the same as an incandescent but is still very usable.
Important: In-wall dimmer modules that do not use the neutral wire will not work well with them, since to work they must let a tiny amount of current trickle through the load (LED bulb in this case). I tried a couple of Z-Wave modules that do not use neutral connections, and neither one worked.
The Pros:
- Light appearance very closely matches incandescent (not identical, but close enough for me)
- $$ is very good given efficiency and estimated life
- LED, so very efficient of course
- Small size so will work as a replacement in most fixtures.
- Glass enclosure stays cool enough to touch (and has a nice soft (silicone?) coating)
- Dims well the triacs in INSTEON, Z-Wave, and X10 modules
- 10 year warranty and estimated life of almost 23 years (@ 3 hours/day)!
The Cons:
- Slight buzzing (a bit worse when dimmed, only audible to me within 12 to 24 inches of bulb)
- Although small in size, it still is a bit taller than an incandescent. I have a lamp that it won't fit in, and the tops of the bulbs peak out a bit of some chandelier fixtures we have. I'm still weighing the reduced SAF on that one.
- In-wall dimmer modules only work if they use the neutral wire to power the module.
Anyhow, I highly recommend trying a couple out. I think we are finally crossing the line where this bulb is close enough in performance/appearance to incandescent and has a cheap enough price that they are really going to take off. And I was thrilled to the bulb works well with our automation modules.
