Photo cell compatible lamps

[mazperks]

Hi, I'm going to link a photo cell to my outdoor light for dusk/dawn operation.

I want to retain the cfl low energy bulb for obvious reasons but seem to

remember a friend having problems doing this. I know certain lamps do not

dim, is it the same with p.e cells or do the newer types accomodate cfl's.

(I was looking at the mushroom head type in screwfix)

Cheers Ian.

 

[JohnW2]

Hi, I'm going to link a photo cell to my outdoor light for dusk/dawn operation. I want to retain the cfl low energy bulb for obvious reasons but seem to remember a friend having problems doing this. I know certain lamps do not dim, is it the same with p.e cells or do the newer types accomodate cfl's. (I was looking at the mushroom head type in screwfix).

It probably depends upon the type of 'photocell'. If it simply contains a 'mechanical' switch or relay, then 'a switch is a switch', and it would be suitable for switching any sort of lamp (provided it could cope with the current - which it obviously would be with a CFL).

However, if the photocell has an 'electronic' switch then, just like dimmers, it may have a problem with certain types of lamp/load. I would suggest that you carefully read the instructions/spec of the photocell you intend to use, which should indicate what sort of lamp/load it is compatible with.

Kind Regards, John

 

[mazperks]

Thanks for that john, I'll open the box at screwfix and have a look at the spec before buying.
Ian.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I'm using one of these to control about 80W of fluorescent lighting



It's been working fine for several years.