Compact Fluorescent Lights w/ controls
 

What's the deal with not using compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and with
'control devices'?

I see this on the packaging at Wal-Mart and online at http://www.bulbs.com/

The only thing that I can think of which would be bad to use with CFLs would
be dimmers or the photocell operated controls which make normal light bulbs
flicker as they decide to 'turn on' in the evening. I've got some photocell
controllers (screw into bulb socket) on the exterior of my house that have
multiple sensors and work some magic so that they just 'turn on' (no
flicker). I'd think that these would be OK for CFLs but there's still that
warning there.

Any thoughts or ideas on this?

Thanks,

Brad

Compact Fluorescent Lights w/ controls
 

I think the technical reasons are similar to need for fl compatible (fl)
ballasts and dimmers.

"Brad Bishop" wrote in message
...
What's the deal with not using compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and with
'control devices'?

I see this on the packaging at Wal-Mart and online at
http://www.bulbs.com/

The only thing that I can think of which would be bad to use with CFLs
would
be dimmers or the photocell operated controls which make normal light
bulbs
flicker as they decide to 'turn on' in the evening. I've got some
photocell
controllers (screw into bulb socket) on the exterior of my house that have
multiple sensors and work some magic so that they just 'turn on' (no
flicker). I'd think that these would be OK for CFLs but there's still that
warning there.

the result *may* just be unreliable switching.

you should get intelligent answers asking on a electronics newsgroup (serach
google with approp. words to find best group)


Any thoughts or ideas on this?

Thanks,

Brad

Compact Fluorescent Lights w/ controls
 

There are specific photo cells for CF bulbs. Use the wrong one and it won't
work.
UP
wrote in message ...
I think the technical reasons are similar to need for fl compatible (fl)
ballasts and dimmers.

"Brad Bishop" wrote in message
...
What's the deal with not using compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and with
'control devices'?

I see this on the packaging at Wal-Mart and online at
http://www.bulbs.com/

The only thing that I can think of which would be bad to use with CFLs
would
be dimmers or the photocell operated controls which make normal light
bulbs
flicker as they decide to 'turn on' in the evening. I've got some
photocell
controllers (screw into bulb socket) on the exterior of my house that
have
multiple sensors and work some magic so that they just 'turn on' (no
flicker). I'd think that these would be OK for CFLs but there's still
that
warning there.

the result *may* just be unreliable switching.

you should get intelligent answers asking on a electronics newsgroup
(serach
google with approp. words to find best group)


Any thoughts or ideas on this?

Thanks,

Brad

Compact Fluorescent Lights w/ controls
 

"El Penguini" wrote in message
news:a6yDc.103813$Hg2.18025@attbi_s04...
There are specific photo cells for CF bulbs. Use the wrong one and it
won't
work.
UP

That's good to know. I went out this weekend and double-checked the
photocells already in place. While they do use two photocells to limit
flicker, they also (for lack of a better term) fade in and out based on how
much light they are getting or not getting so they won't work with CF bulbs.

I've got a 25W (incandescent) bulb in each of the fixtures to keep my
driveway and front door lit at night. I'll probably just leave those there
for now as it's not a huge amount of electricity or anything.

I have been going through my house trying to reduce my energy consumption. I
sealed up my attic door the other day and have been replacing regular light
bulbs with CF bulbs except in a few rooms that I never use (they're just
sealed off). I was beginning to look outside for the next set of bulbs to
replace but I like how the on at dusk/off at dawn photocells work so I never
have to think about turning the lights on or off.

Thanks again for the info.

Brad