Timeswitch for low energy lamps

You need one with a proper built in switch that takes a neutral (usually to drive a relay, or occassionally an electronic switch). The ones that don't support CFLs are ones which rely on the incandescent bulb passing through enough current to drive the electronics in order to not need a neutral (which is often not available at the switch location).

Immersion timers would work.

Christian.

Thanks. As it happens, this is a new build extension. When I remove the switch, there is in fact a blue wire in there, but not concected to anything. Can I assume this is neutral? Does this therefore open up the possibilities of what I can use?

You can never assume anything with electrical installations. However, you can be optimistic. You'll need to test that wire to see if it is indeed a suitable neutral.

Christian.

Pretty much any mechanical timer will do.

Trouble is most are downright ugly if on show as they might have to be if incorporating an override switch, etc.

My solution was one of the switch replacement types with an added relay. Fitted ok into a 35mm deep box, but of course you need a neutral.

Could anyone be so kind as to hae a look at this item from Screwfix:

Think it'll do the trick?

Since it's battery operated, very likely. It's the ones which get their 'neutral' via the load that are the problem.

Cheers. I'll drop in at Screwfix on the way home (=A38 cheaper than B&Q)

You might want to consider a photocell rather than a timeswitch. Depends what you want to use the lights for. You can get ones which fit in the light fitting. I added one of these to a light:

BTW, a 20W low energy lamp is quite bright for an outdoor lamp. Do make sure it doesn't disturb neighbours or dazzle highway users.

They work fine with CFL's. Battery lasts years.

Bought and installed it last night. Nice little unit, once I'd mastered which buttons to press. Highly recommended.

I agree, which is why I was so intent on using the lowest wattage bulb possible, and consequently so limited a choice of switches.

If only some of my neighbours were quite so considerate. It's like Blackpool illuminations round our places these days.

On 25 Oct 2006 17:39:35 GMT someone who may be snipped-for-privacy@cucumber.demon.co.uk (Andrew Gabriel) wrote this:-

Alternatively just use a lamp with a built in photocell, provided that the fitting allows it to "see" the outside light levels properly

I've tried some of these types in the past and always had the problem of them "flashing off" briefly every 20 or so seconds.

Tried them in different positions both inside and out.

Seems the light from the bulb is trying to turn itself off !

A pity they would be very useful otherwise

Robert Robert

On Thu, 26 Oct 2006 18:55:51 +0100 someone who may be snipped-for-privacy@invalid.invalid wrote this:-

Something may well be reflecting the light back onto the sensor.

Very likely , but almost impossible to avoid when used in any type of external enclosure or even in internal porch.

Is this common or have I just been unlucky ? Robert