Which light bulb for timers?

[Proofraider]

Now that old-style light bulbs are disappearing from shops, could someone please tell me what bulbs can be used with indoor lamps that come on via timers? I've heard that you can't use energy-saving bulbs and some I've seen have it specifically marked on the pack that you can't - how are we supposed to keep timer lights going for security? Any advice or pointers to useful websites gratefully received!

[sidkid]

I've heard that you can't use with dimmers.....is that where the confusion is?

[joannie10]

I use energy saving bulbs with my timers, as previously mentioned they do say you can't use with dimmer switches.

[Proofraider]

Thanks, all - I've just found this on the Which? website:

"Some energy saving bulbs can be used with dimmers and timers. Halogen energy savers are usually suitable for use with dimmers and timers, some CFLs are too, although they tend to be the more expensive ones."

[rowanwitch]

trick is try one and see if it works we used the ikea cheap low energy bulbs with timers for years

[Old_Geezer]

See what a pain in the bottom it all is ? Why can't they leave the citizens alone to use whatever bulb they wish ?

[rowanwitch]

daffodil bulbs don't work in timers or dimmers...just thought I'd offer that to the discussion

[jomifl]

A timer is basically a switch, no different in principal to the light swtch on your wall. I have found that all the energy saving lamps that I have used with timers have worked perfectly.

[deggers316]

timers are ok dimmers are not for low energy bulbs

[heathfield]

Let's clear things up here. To say the timers act in the same way as an ordinary light switch is to ignore the hundreds of thousands of electronic timers which simply will not work with the low energy compact fluorescent bulbs, (CFLs). These timers use the resistance of the filament of an incandescent lightbulb as part of the timer circuitry. A CFL does not have a resistance characteristic to offer the timer - instead it is inductive. The typical electronic timer reaction is to switch itself rapidly on and off due to the inductive element charging and discharging. I knpw. I have several of these timers and I'm totally hacked off that I can't use them with the CFLs that the EU dictates that we must have. And I don't like halogens because of their high bulb temperatures. Grrr!

[jomifl]

Heathfield, I have lots of timers both mechanical and electronic, the mechanical ones have a simple switch, the electronic ones have a small solenoid switch. I have never come across the kind you mentioned.

[heathfield]

Jomifil...Your mechanical switches aren't a problem. Your 'electronic' switches are still using a mechanical means (solenoid) to do the switching. Again, no problem. My timers are fully electronic and it is transistorised solid state circuitry that's doing the switching. Here's one...

http://www.greenbrook...etail.php?prod=T40S-C

[gingejbee]

...so, it's the timers that are the problem - not the lamps!