Lamps blowing on timer switch

katejo

As the result of an attempted burglary in January , I bought table lamps which I connected to a timer switch . Both have died on me within a few weeks . I assumed it was just the bulb and replaced it but it still did not work . They were not expensive lamps but I don't want to buy more if the same thing will happen again . Has anyone else had a similar problem ? I assume the fuse has blown but it is a moulded plug.

securityguy

katejo wrote: »

I assume the fuse has blown but it is a moulded plug.

Moulded plugs still have exchangeable fuses.

Myser

What type of bulbs are in the lamp holders? Filament (old style) or Compact FLuoroescent (mini tube)?

Cornucopia

Could be a combination of an electronic switch in the timer & CFL bulbs in the lamps.

lstar337

Cornucopia wrote: »

Could be a combination of an electronic switch in the timer & CFL bulbs in the lamps.

Exactly what I was thinking.

If they are CFL's in the lamps, try switching to halogen bulbs.

Cornucopia

Or get a very basic rotary timeswitch, which is guaranteed to be a mechanical switch.

katejo

lstar337 wrote: »

Exactly what I was thinking.

If they are CFL's in the lamps, try switching to halogen bulbs.

Need to check when I get home

katejo

lstar337 wrote: »

Exactly what I was thinking.

If they are CFL's in the lamps, try switching to halogen bulbs.

The bulbs are Edison screw E14. Not sure if these are the type which you mention.

katejo

katejo wrote: »

The bulbs are Edison screw E14. Not sure if these are the type which you mention.

I suppose they must count as filament . Will look at halogen bulbs if they fit the lights .

Rockingit

E14 (ES) is just simply the base type, not the lamp type. If you have obtained the lamps new in the last year or so from a high street source then they will almost certainly be of an energy saving variety.

But my gut feel is that the bulb type is a red herring (on its own). The timer switch you are using; what make and model is it?

Cornucopia

It should be fairly obvious whether the bulbs are CFL or filament.

- The wattage? Single figures = CFL, double figures = filament (this only works for ES14).

- The outer appearance - spiral/stick shaped = CFL

- If the bulb is round/oval shaped/candle shaped and clear - filament

- If the bulb is frosted, but the outer covering is plastic - CFL

- If the bulb has a white plastic part between the glass and the metal of the screw - CFL

If the bulbs came with the lamps, it could just be that they had a rough time in transit.