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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> energy saving bulbs and timers https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1245910616 Message started by watte on Jun 25^th, 2009, 7:16am

Title: energy saving bulbs and timers
Post by watte on Jun 25^th, 2009, 7:16am

The other day i was fitting a new bulb to an outside light which is operated by a timer. I decided to fit an energy saving type, but on the box it specified not to be fitted to lights with dimmers or lights using a timer. There are about seven of these lights on my estate, and these have energy saving bulbs, and appear to last longer than the standard filament type.

does anyone have an answer to this puzzle? :)

Title: Re: energy saving bulbs and timers
Post by CWatters on Jun 25^th, 2009, 7:51am

I believe it depends how the timer is powered. Some are designed to replace light switches where there might not be a neutral. To power themselves they bleed a little power through the light bulb (in effect keeping it very slightly on when off). This can cause issues with low energy bulbs, possibly burning out the starter circuitry. If the timer needs a neutral connection I suspect it should be ok.

..I'm not an electrician "just" an electronics engineer so there might be other reasons I'm not aware of.

Title: Re: energy saving bulbs and timers
Post by Lectrician on Jun 25^th, 2009, 9:44am

Thats correct. They are just widely covering their arses.

Standard timers and photocells etc will be fine.

The energy saving lamps would also flicker if connected to a timer which 'bleeds' it's feed through the light fitting. Very similar to how 'neon locators' work when placing them in parallel with switch contacts.

Title: Re: energy saving bulbs and timers
Post by stocksie on Jun 27^th, 2009, 6:44pm

I've had the same 2 low energy lamps in my fittings at my front door for seven year now.There switched through a P.I.R