The controllers that use a relay (you can hear the "click" when it switches
on/off) to apply/remove power to the socket are "universal" and will handle
both CFL and filament bulbs. The power to the socket is either on or off.
The problem is with the controllers that use a SS device(s) to control
power to the socket. As the ambient light increases and decreases the
power applied to the socket varies and the CFLs do not like that. A
filament bulb doesn't care and just varies in brilliance.
There are dimmable CFLs but I have no experience with them. I have,
however, used 3-way CFLs in a standard 3-way lamp socket without any
incidents.
Ken
WA2LBI
On Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 1:33 AM, Eddie Edwards <eddieedwards@tconl.com>wrote:
> Recently purchased a photocell controlled socket/adapter for outdoor
> lighting. I noticed they specified which type of bulbs to use with them.
> Some spec'd incandescent whiles the others said CFL only.
>
> I wondered what happens when the wrong bulbs are used?
>
> 73, de ed -K0iL
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RFI [mailto:rfi-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Roger D Johnson
>
> Are the porch lights photocell controlled? My neighbor had a controlled
> lamp
> at the end of his driveway. He replaced the incandescent bulb with a CFL.
> Horrible noise!
> I found that some of the older controllers will not work properly with
> CFLs.
>
> 73, Roger
>
> On 9/22/2012 4:34 AM, Tony wrote:
> > All:
> >
> > I ventured out at 4AM this morning and found the noise! It turned out
> > to be my neighbors CFL porch light. There are two lights on the porch
> > and the one that's not working is the one making the noise. The
> > working CFL isn't exactly quiet, but it's nowhere near as loud as the
> non-working light.
>
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