Can someone please help me with a lighting problem that started a few days ago? I have backyard security lighting that comes on and off, regulated by a TIME-ALL indoor digital wall switch Timer. There are 2 light brackets mounted on the side of the house (one on each side) that hold 2 security lights in each bracket. I have Energy Saving lights in 3 of the 4 light sockets and an adapter plug in the other socket, with a cord rope light plugged in that is strung around my patio. After working for over 2 years the cord rope light burnt out. A few days ago, I unplugged the cord rope from the adapter plug which left me with 3 security lights and a socket with the adapter plug. That’s when my trouble started – that night the remaining security lights started rapidly blinking on and off. I turned off the timer, and the next day I changed out the Energy lights thinking that there was a short or something in the lights. The next night the security lights started rapidly blinking on and off again when the timer turned them on, and would not stop blinking so I again turned off the lights via the timer. I finally removed ALL the lights and the Adapter so that there is nothing to come on when the timer turns the lights on at the set time. It has to be something simple as I have not had any trouble with the security lights for well over 5 years. It seems to me that the all the trouble started when I unplugged the rope light from the adapter, and removed it, which left 3 security lights burning. I really don’t know where to start to fix the problem. Can anyone help me to solve this? Thanks, Wayne

The usual reason they blink is improper light placement. The photo eye sees it's dark and turns on and then turns off because the lights direct or reflect light back to them. Try moving the bulbs to point away from the sensor.

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Originally Posted by ma0641

The usual reason they blink is improper light placement. The photo eye sees it's dark and turns on and then turns off because the lights direct or reflect light back to them. Try moving the bulbs to point away from the sensor.

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Thanks for the reply but, I probably didn't explain myself clearly. The lights are not on a photo eye sensor. They come on and turn off via a timer switch located inside the house.

Have you tried the lights with out the adapter in that fourth bulb holder?

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

Have you tried the lights with out the adapter in that fourth bulb holder?

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Not yet, but a good idea. I'll give it a try tonight. Will get back to you if it works out. Thanks.

What is the model number of the timer? Some timers have a minimum operating wattage. The flourecents lamps might not be enough of a load without the rope light.

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Originally Posted by mike 165278

What is the model number of the timer? Some timers have a minimum operating wattage. The flourecents lamps might not be enough of a load without the rope light.

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Thanks for the tip. Here's what I did: I placed 1 light each (instead of 2), in each of the light fixtures then, I taped up the two empty sockets (one in each fixture), so dust and dirt wouldn't get in. I tried the switch to check for blinking and wala! No more blinking lights. When it was time for the timer to turn the lights on at dusk - they came on and worked without blinking. I hope my problem is solved and this all works out in the long run. A special "Thanks" to all of you who helped me with this problem. Wayne