Using low wattage bulbs with security light switch

baby_frogmella

Hi

About a couple of years ago I had a pair of lanterns (running 11w low energy bulbs) installed outside my garage. These are connected to a digital security light switch which lets me electronically change the on/off times of these 7 days a week:

http://www.timeguard.com/product/home-control-security/security-light-switches/7-day-digital-security-light-switch

Now the problem is that on average, each lantern bulb only lasts for about 5 months probably because the bulb flickers (only slightly) when they are switched off. This is probably due to the very low bulb wattage, as the switch is suitable for low energy bulbs but on the specs this is stated as 20-150W. Unfortunately i cannot use any higher wattage bulbs as this would melt the lantern cage. So was just wondering is there any type of switch available (has to be 7 day electronic) which is suitable for use with low energy bulbs (>11w)?

Thanks

cliffe

I looked for the same thing and failed. In the end we bought a dusk till dawn lamp which we use with a fairly low wattage bulb so that we don't waste too much energy.

Alternatively it might be worth looking out for a "facilities bulb" which will work with these timers e.g.:
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=34870&ts=13490

I don't know if it is possible to get them at 11W.

baby_frogmella

thanks for your reply Cliffe. i'm thinking the only solution might be to use 20w low energy bulbs in the lanterns....this is supposed to produce the same amount of light as a standard 100w bulb, but does it also generate the same amount of heat as a standard 100w bulb? The lantern specs state max bulb allowed 60w.

cheers

ollyk

Put a higher wattage lamp in or add a second lamp to the circuit to effectively increase the wattage. I think you would have to put a very large CF lamp in your fitting to approach the heat levels produced by a 60 TF lamp so I wouldn't worry in the slightest!

tstodart

The 'wattage' of a bulb is a measurement of the energy (or heat) it produces, so (as already posted) you should be very safe with a 20W energy saving bulb in a 60W rated socket.

If you want some detailed technical information, try typing 'luminous efficacy' into Wikpedia!

Grandmasu

Have you ever thought of using solar powered security lights? I did see some on the web but cannot remember which site. I am sure they had ones with a sensor as well as dawn to dusk. Sorry I cannot give you a link but don't know how to get out of this site into google and back again. However I am sure if you google it in you will find it.

TimBuckTeeth

I have used a similar timeswitch that says it is not suitable for fluorescent lamps but have used it successfully with a 60W incandescent bulb in an outside light and a 20W compact fluorescent bulb in the hallway wired in parallel.
So if you can't get it to work with just compact fluorescent bulbs try an incandescent bulb in one of the lanterns, a 40W should be fine.

The heat produced by compact fluorescent lamps will not damage the lantern (as a too high wattage of incandescent lamp can), you can put any that will fit. But if the lantern is small and doesn't have any ventilation then the life of the bulb will be reduced as the electronic components in the base don't last as long being run hot.
The other thing that can reduce the life of the compact fluorescent bulbs is water or condensation which will damage the electronic components.