Most Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) are not designed to be dimmable. Most dimming systems work by reducing the voltage supplied to a lamp. If this is used on most types of CFL the electronic circuits try to compensate by drawing more current (amps). The results can be reduced life or even overheating and sudden failure within days of being used in a dimmed state.
The Megaman Dimmerable lamps shown below are designed to be dimmed and come in many fitting options.
