On Thu, 4 Sep 2003 19:31:13 +0000 (UTC), "Martin"
wrote:

On the box it states not suitable for use with timers or photo-cell
circuits.

For ease of installation, the timers / PIR switches built into light
switches keep the same two-wire (no neutral) connection as a basic
switch. They power themselves by leaking a little current through the
bulb at all times.

If you run a CF from one of these, then the leakage current charges up
a capacitor inside the bulb. When this is full enough to almost light
the bulb, the bulb may flash briefly as it discharges.

A plug-in timer is OK, as they run from live and neutral. So use one
in a table lamp, if you want a burglar-deterrent.