What type of luminaires should general use dimmer switches control unless specified otherwise?

General use dimmer switches are primarily designed to control incandescent luminaires. These dimmers work by altering the voltage supplied to the incandescent bulbs, allowing for the adjustment of their brightness smoothly and effectively. Incandescent lights respond well to dimming, enabling a wide range of light levels without flickering or other issues.

In addition, traditional dimmer switches have been specifically engineered for the electrical characteristics of incandescent lamps, which include their high thermal capacity and linear response to voltage changes. While some modern dimmers have been developed to work with other types of luminaires, such as LEDs or halogens, the default and most compatible option remains incandescent lighting. This compatibility becomes particularly important in applications that require reliable, flicker-free operation, which incandescent luminaires offer.

The other types of luminaires mentioned may not respond well to traditional dimming methods or may require special dimmers designed for them to ensure proper functionality and prevent damage. For example, LED luminaires typically require a dimmer designed specifically for LEDs due to their different electrical characteristics. Fluorescent luminaires generally require electronic ballasts for dimming control, and while halogen lights can be dimmed, they are not as widely compatible with standard dimmers as incandescent lamps.