CFL Lamp and Fixture Questions
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I have a timer-socket thingy that shuts off my bedside lamp after a period of time for when I fall asleep reading. Recently I bought a new lamp and my timer seems unable to control it. Why would that be?

Does your new lamp use a compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb? Some timers are incompatible with these bulbs because they need to have a small amount of current flowing through the light bulb (even when it's off) to allow it to keep track of the time. Try switching to a regular bulb if your lamp allows it. Otherwise, you may need to buy a new timer that will work with fluorescent lamps.

Since compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs use less wattage for the same amount of light, is it okay to use a higher wattage CFL bulb in a lower rated fixture, like a 75W or 100W equivalent CFL bulb in a 60W rated fixture?

The only thing that matters is that the ACTUAL wattage of the CFL being used is not greater than the maximum wattage listed for the fixture you intend to use it in. For instance, a 100 watt equivalent CFL bulb only draws about 23 watts. It would be acceptable to install this lamp in a fixture rated for 60 watts or less, even though you couldn’t use a regular (incandescent) 100 watt bulb in the same light.

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Wurtsboro Electric Service, Inc.

Licensed electricians serving Orange county, Sullivan county, and Ulster county in New York
(845) 888-8000 

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