Using Timer Switches with Energy Saving (Fluorescent) Bulbs?

Question

I've heard you shouldn't use a timer switch with energy saving bulbs. Does anybody know if this is true for modern energy saving bulbs and if so why?

I did a bit more research on this. See the warning at the bottom of this page:

http://www.timeguard.com/product/immersion-heater-controllers/24-hour-immersion-heater

Answer 1

Hi i dont understand the technical details of why they will/will not work but :-

Go to you local Homebase store they stock a timer switch that is suitable for energy saving lights and it does state so on the instructions.

Hope this helps you.

Answer 2

You can use timer switches but you must not use Dimmer switches.

This is because dimmer switches work by effectively switching the current off and on very rapidly up to 200 time per second (not by inserting resistance like some people seem to think). This rapid off-on sequence allows an incandescent filament to cool (during the Off periods) but not go cold, so it continues to glow - but less brightly than it would if it were to be On all the time. Hence, it has been Dimmed.
Incidentally, because of the way they work ordinary domestic Dimmer switches do indeed save electricity when they are set to Dim.
A simple resistor would not save anything, that's one reason why you shouldn't use one.

Energy saver bulbs are fluorescent lights which contain an electronic starter circuit in their bulky bases. if this is subject to the Off-On cycles of a conventional dimmer switch it would not fire up properly, get a nasty headache and possibly go bang.

You can get special dimmers for fluorescent lights.
Timers just turn the power on and off at preset times so unless you have one that works at exceptionally short intervals (less than 1/50 second perhaps) there would be no problems.

Answer 3

I can't see why. All a time switch does is controls the 'on-off' of the electricity, just an automatic version of you switching the light on and off. I assume here you mean the types that you would use on a plug socket for a plug in lamp. I am not aware of any timer devices for regular light switches

I know you can't use energy saving light bulbs with dimmer switches, since the bulb will flicker when dimmed.

Answer 4

CFL bulbs can be used with mechanical timers but should not be used with electronic timers or dimmers unless they bulb packaging states it is suitable for electronic timers and dimmers. This has to due with the the way energy is handled buy the timer/dimmer. Incorrect usage can cause the bulbs to fail or may even present a fire hazard.

Answer 5

the warning was probably about electronic timer switches as they, like dimmer switches, aren't happy at controlling low energy lamps.

i have several mechanical timer switches in my house that bring on various low energy lamps during the night without any problems at all. there appears to be no reduction in the life of the lamp either.

and mechanical timers are cheaper. just buy the ones with the round dial on the front and segments to adjust to set the on/off times.

Answer 6

by skill of skill saving bulbs I take it you recommend fluroescent? very in basic terms conversing fluroescents are "regulated" as to skill utilization they use a definite volume of electric to offer easy, drop that quantity and that they only wont artwork in any respect.. that's why a dimmer wont artwork on them.. on an incandesent bulb (time-honored) you turn the electrical powered grant down and the filiment in basic terms glows particularly much less and produces much less easy. i don't whether comprehend why you couldnt use a timer on an skill saver, as timers are basicaly in basic terms a "swap" except its some pc controled chip fed timer thats limiting the electrical powered a technique or the different. Or that the timers won't cope with the preliminary surge of skill(Fluros take a super sort of skill to "start up").. yet I wouldnt see that being a topic on a mechanical swap timer.. yet in all probability it may well be on a digital sort...

Answer 7

This is what I have read to believe also.!
Other fun with Electricity...
1. Don't use energy saving lightbulbs ...
with 'dimmer switches' also.
2. I used a small 7w low wattage - energy
saving bulb on my upstairs landing. Had to take it out, as it flashed when switched OFF ! -2-way switch (switches upstairs/downstairs).20w bulb worked fine)?
Be Careful ...Health & Safety.

Answer 8

its not the timer switch as a rule its the constant switching on and off of a flouresant lamp witch makes using an energy saving lamp pointless they are only efficient if they are left on a long time as it takes more energy to turn it on than you save in the long run

Answer 9

After I read your question I got curious and researched little bit . I didn't find anything to support that argument . As a matter of fact is even recommended . Read the following tips :
http://www.sierraclub.org/globalwarming/cleanenergy/conservation/index.asp

or the following comany sells these timers:
http://www.smarthome.com/23883ti.html

Answer 10

I think you confused the tyerms. Timers are fine. it's dimmers that are a no-no.