WITH PICS !!! Sometimes reading the label is A good thing.... WITH POLL!!!

[AlienCraft]

When the label says "Do Not Use with Photo Cells" there just might be a reason.

Any guesses as to why???

My partner sent the new guy over to investigate reports of "a burning smell" coming from the office building he is doing building services for.... Look what we found in the foyer fixtures......
Energy Saver or fire starter
Energy Saver Maybe, No???
I say fire starter if left for a few more hours?? !!!

 

[TWills]

*head asplodes*

 

[aplefka]

Photo Cells? Places photos are developed?

 

[intogamer]

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: aplefka
Photo Cells? Places photos are developed?

No, photo cell type on/off switches in commercial light fixtures, buildings , etc.

 

[AlienCraft]

One strip mall owner replaced 14 of his hall way fixtures that use a small wattage sodium bulb with these compact florescent bulbs. They lasted about 2 days before they started failing. Looked just like this also.
Some people are just asking for it.

 

[AmdEmAll]

why did they fail exactly?

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: AmdEmAll
why did they fail exactly?

This bulb plainly says do not use in fixtures controlled by photo celss. This circuit is controlled b
y a photo cell. I thiink they square off the sine wave and the Compact Florescent Bulb overheats as it works to create a higher voltage without the benefit of a transformer.
Any budding Edison out there have a better explanation. My Dad's recovering froma heart attack so I'm not going to run this by him yet.

 

[Calin]

Originally posted by: AmdEmAll
why did they fail exactly?

Those things are not cleared to run in closed spaces (like glass globes, and so on) - they must have enough air around in order to cool themselves

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: Calin

Originally posted by: AmdEmAll
why did they fail exactly?

Those things are not cleared to run in closed spaces (like glass globes, and so on) - they must have enough air around in order to cool themselves

But why do they not allow the use of Photo Cells as a control?

 

[TGS]

They instruct you not to use CFLs in screw down photocells. From what I've read the hardwired variants should work correctly. The generic message they try to give you is the voltage inconsistances the screwin types may pass to the CFL.


Add the poll option, Safe for those who read the directions.

The entire building I work in runs on CFLs. Five floors worth, so it's possible to run CFLs as long as you actually take the time to look at the safety information.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: TGS
They instruct you not to use CFLs in screw down photocells. From what I've read the hardwired variants should work correctly. The generic message they try to give you is the voltage inconsistances the screwin types may pass to the CFL.


Add the poll option, Safe for those who read the directions.

The entire building I work in runs on CFLs. Five floors worth, so it's possible to run CFLs as long as you actually take the time to look at the safety information.

And we have them in fixtures as well, with no problems.
Why would a screw in photo cell switch be any different than a hardwired one?
Can you prove this postulate of yours?

 

[AlienCraft]

Anyone?
Bueller?