Timers with CFLs

Is there anything to watch out for when selecting a timer for a cfl light source? I understand that most cfl manufactures warn against the use of dimmers and timers but some ppl on here still use timers with cfls. How do you narrow it down to a timer that won't damage your lights? Most of the timers at home deopt and lowes only warn against overloading and only use the browns and whites. I did not see anything specifically on this topic, but if t here is one that answers my question directly, then please link it.:thumbsup:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by txbiomass

Is there anything to watch out for when selecting a timer for a cfl light source? I understand that most cfl manufactures warn against the use of dimmers and timers but some ppl on here still use timers with cfls. How do you narrow it down to a timer that won't damage your lights? Most of the timers at home deopt and lowes only warn against overloading and only use the browns and whites. I did not see anything specifically on this topic, but if t here is one that answers my question directly, then please link it.:thumbsup:

---

Go to wal-mart and get the Brinks digital timer($15). That's what I use and I haven't had any problem of "overload". I have even ran 12 CFL lights off the timer. But I plug my timer into a surge protector then go from there! Below is a link to a picture of the one I got...

Picture of the timer!

I can't remember if I got my timer at Lowes or Home Depot but it looks like the one in the pic. I've had as many as 22 CFL's running off of it with no problems.

Chances are your not going to overload from CFL's. Since the wattage is almost 1/4 of reg. incandesent. I have never heard of CFL's and timers being a dangerous combo, but dimmers will fuck your shit up.

thanks for you guy's help. I went to home depot and picked up a Intermatic Heavy Duty Indoor manual timer. It looks exactly like yours, McToker. It works great but is off by about 5 minutes. It has removable pins, which i prefer. The cost was about $11. No problem with the lights. I didn't really notice while I was at the store, but I'm glad i got the grounded version bc all of my plugs have a ground. The employee warned me that that some of the digital ones rob a little bit of power, so I skipped over those but they seem real convenient though. Thanks again for your help.:greenthumb: