Do not user with timer?

I have a 42 watt optolight CFL 2700k and it says Do not use with timers, dimmers, etc... Why not?

I know there are certain bulbs for dimmers never heard of not using certain bulbs with timers.

Some electronic timers use the filament in the bulb to keep time. These timers are designed to replace a regular wall switch. They are usually not a plug in timers. They simply have 2 black wires. In order for the timer to keep time it needs to have a constant flow of electric. This is achieved by electrical current running through the filament of the bulb at a very low rate. Since CFL's do not have a filament, current will not pass through making it impossible for the timer to keep time.

Mechanical timers "like the plug in type", electronic timers with battery or timers with a neutral connection do not require a filament to keep time. Therefore you can use a cfl bulb. The directions just choose not to explain the difference. It's easier for them to just tell the public not to use them with a timer then to have to answer a rush of possible complaints from customers.

*Googled it and the above was on another forum*

Awesome answer! Thank you.. I was a little worried I could start a fire somehow haha

My timer when set up to a 600w hps/mh ballast would short the socket when it was supposed to turn on. Very weird.

Just a thought for the future for you.

Hmm so maybe it's not so safe after all

TopDogTHC said:

Some electronic timers use the filament in the bulb to keep time. These timers are designed to replace a regular wall switch. They are usually not a plug in timers. They simply have 2 black wires. In order for the timer to keep time it needs to have a constant flow of electric. This is achieved by electrical current running through the filament of the bulb at a very low rate. Since CFL's do not have a filament, current will not pass through making it impossible for the timer to keep time.

Mechanical timers "like the plug in type", electronic timers with battery or timers with a neutral connection do not require a filament to keep time. Therefore you can use a cfl bulb. The directions just choose not to explain the difference. It's easier for them to just tell the public not to use them with a timer then to have to answer a rush of possible complaints from customers.

*Googled it and the above was on another forum*

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Great answer that juste teach me somting thanks