No Timers on Compact Flourescent Lights - Why?

[bob332]

why does it state on the package that they should not be used with timers or motion control devices? i understand why not to use them with dimmers, but not timers. i want to set them up for my outdoor lights and they need to run on a timer because i always forget to turn them off. they will be run all night (6-8+hrs)

 

[ISAslot]

This is what I found:


Because of electronic interference, compact fluorescent lights should not be used on dimmers, in "touch" lamps, with photocells or with electronic timers.

 

[flamingelephant]

Thats essentially right... compact flourescents have small transformers in them... they create funky electromagnetic fields that can mess up other electronics.... it could even have some kind of feedback effect. With a simple mechanical timer you'd probably ok, but a digital one, you might have problems...

 

[bob332]

Originally posted by: flamingelephant
Thats essentially right... compact flourescents have small transformers in them... they create funky electromagnetic fields that can mess up other electronics.... it could even have some kind of feedback effect. With a simple mechanical timer you'd probably ok, but a digital one, you might have problems...

when you say problems, do you mean something like the digital timer wouldn't work, or problems like fire?

 

[Wallydraigle]

I've used a digital timer with CFs over an aquarium for like four years now. Never had a problem.

*Shrugs*

 

[0roo0roo]

try it out, might work. they warn against using cf's with dimmers cuz well.. they just don't. u'll get a nasty flicker effect if u even try. there are flourcent bulbs that are compatible with dimmers though, just more expensive.

 

[bob332]

i will probably just try it out, like 0roo0roo suggested. just an fyi for others - i save ~ 15%+/mo on my electric bill just by switching to these. and they are so cool (actual temperature), i love them.