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#1
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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 |
#2
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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 |
#3
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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 |
#4
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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 |
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