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View Full Version : Timers that play nicely with CFL soffit lights


macterb
Nov 19, 2008, 10:52 AM
I have seven new CFL exterior soffit lights on one of three wall switches in a triple-gang box. It seems counter-intuitive to come home to a dark house when those lovely lights are there. As noted in other discussions, Intermatic makes a timer switch, but the instructions warn that the switch should not be used with CFL bulbs. Does anyone know of a timer I can reliabily use in place of the current toggle switch without risking premature failure of the bulbs?
Thank you for sharing your collective wisdom.
Macterb

EPMiller
Nov 19, 2008, 06:33 PM
Any timer that has contact closures to switch the load should be fine. Most likely the timer that you mentioned uses solid state devices (triac, scr, whatever) to switch the load. The other remote possibility is that the timing circuit has problems with RFI and they are covering their butts so they get fewer warranty returns. I doubt that though.