switching economy lamps

[brianivor]

I have an external porch light with a filament bulb controlled by a mechanical timer.

I want to use a low energy bulb (spiral/flourescent type) instead and upgrade the timer (possibly to electronic).

I read from some timer specs that they wont switch the new type of bulbs yet they work fine from a standard internal wall switch

Surely thats all a timer switch is, so why should there be a difference?

 

[Diyisfun]

I have electronic timers on my low energy bulbs

 

[bernardgreen]

Some electronic timers use a solid state switch and not a relay. The solid state switch leaks a very small trickle of power when it is OFF. This is enough energy to make some LED lamps glow dimly and some lamps will store the trickle of energy until they have enough to light. This results in the lamp flashing hen switched off by the timer.

 

[brianivor]

I understand now and know what to look for ((mechanical switching)
Thank you for your prompt reply - just a thought, some timers also say something about 11 watts minimum, can you help with this please?

 

[brianivor]

Sorr- does the flashing only refer to LED lamps or flourescent lamps as well?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Can happen on either.

There's no telling.

 

[flameport]

some timers also say something about 11 watts minimum, can you help with this please?

Either because the timer has electronic switching which requires a minimum current to operate correctly,
or
if the timer is of the sort which replaces a normal light switch, these are powered when the light is off due to a small current flowing through the lamp, and therefore the lamp must be of a certain minimum to ensure sufficient current flows to operate the timer. Capacitors can usually be added in these instances if the load is too small.