Various energy saving lightbulb questions

artha

I understand that energy saving bulbs can't be used with dimmers but why not time switches? Bought two GE 15w bulbs(coventional bulb shape) in Asda today and the box said not to be used with timers.

Where is the cheapest place to buy the globe type bulbs? I find the upright tube types rather ugly and stick out of shades but the more attractive globe types are usually pretty expensive and am not sure that they actually save money in the long run

Are energy saving bulbs affected by power spikes? We seem to go through a lot of filament type bulbs (particularly kitchen). Neighbour(lived in the street forever) told me that we are prone to spikes and this is overheating filaments and burning them out. Wouldn't want this to happen to expensive energy saving bulbs

spiro

Found this on the Philips site about electronic switches and ES bulbs:

All presently sold energy saving lamps make use of electronics o operate the lamp. The combination of most switches (like dusk-to-dawn or movement detection) with electronics inside the lamp leads to very high in-rush currents causing damage to the lamp. To allow for a good combination we advise the use of sensor equipment with relais (mechanichal switch) or equipment with an additional build in resistor to protect the lamp.

Looking at that a basic time switch sounds like it could be OK but a more elaborate one might not.

Totality

I've been using one on a time switch for about a year with no problems so far. *touches wood*

daveyjp

Been using a timeswitch for at least 5 years with a low energy bulb. No problems whatsoever - the bulb has never been changed.

Premier_2

All energy saving lightbulbs on bogof at Tesco (cheapest bulb free), - that's the ones that are not on 5 for 40p (which tend to be the upright tube type)

Prices on energy saving bulbs tend to be cheaper than Asda

JohalaReewi

Have been using low energy bulbs with time switches and security lights for ages with no problems. The only drawback with low energy bulbs as security lights is that they take a while to warm up to full brightness so I set them to stay on for a few minutes once tripped.

The cheapest ones are free! Just got 4 from Scottish Power.