[APD] Re: Compact Question

[Bill Wichers <billw at waveform_net>]

> I just picked up a few 15 watt compact bulbs for lamp use and noticed that
> they said to not use them on timers. That doesn't make any sense to me. Can
> anyone tell me why ?

Most likely this is for one of two reasons: Either the bulbs don't like 
starts (which is likely), or they aren't rated for long-term cycles (like 
having a timer run the light all night).

Most likely the bulbs have a limited number of starts (actually the ballast 
is more likely to have limits than the bulb, but I'm assuming you have on 
of the integrated bulb'n'ballast units). The ballast probably is only 
expected to handle x number of starts, and the manufacturer assumes that a 
light on a timer will have more starts than one that is only lit when 
needed. Although this still seems strange, I think it is the most likely 
explanation.

The only other possibility I can think of is that the bulb/ballast unit has 
its own power switch and doesn't like it when it is turned on/off by power 
cycling as would be the case with a timer. It's possible the inrush current 
when the ballast is first powered isn't handled well internally. This would 
be a bad design though, but the kind of thing that would save money for the 
manufacturer of a cheap unit. A timer is just a gizmo that turns a switch 
on and off with a clock (essentially), and electrically isn't any different 
than flipping a switch on and off periodically. As a result, the reason for 
the light not wanting to be on a timer should be related to what the 
manufacturer thinks will be different about a timer operating the light 
rather than a person.

What kind of light assembly did you just pick up?

     -Bill


*****************************
Waveform Technology
UNIX Systems Administrator

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