Wall switch timer and fluorescent lights

[WannaKnow]

I installed fluorescent flood lights (20W) to illuminate the house at night in order to save on electric bills. The lights are controlled by Intermatic Wall Switch Timer. After about 2 weeks one of the lights burned and then two others also appear to have gone off. Timer switch refuses to operate on schedule when even one of the bulbs is burned. (Don't know why, but I think it's true).

Then I found some vague referense to the fact that Intermatic timer can't be used with fluorescent lights. I couldn't out find more about.

Do you know if it's true? If, so why is it? (it's not a dimmer, just a timer). Also, is there any solution to this if I want to have fluorescent flood lights outside on the timer?

Thanks!!!

[Light4u2]

Intermatic timers make timers that are able to handle flourescent loads. PER their catalog. A good wall timer is the SS7C by intermatic. Digital, BATTERY BACK UP (which is a great feature when power goes out ) 7-day. 42 on's and offs per week. HOWEVER bad news they do not like voltage strikes or spikes, so I have experienced in my business. I have had the SS7C's in my house of about 4-5 years with trouble free operation. Ps you have the change the battery when it tells you or else you will be resetting the digital timer. Other than that good luck.

[Cheyenps]

Timers like yours don't have a neutral connection - they rely on a slight current flow through the filament of an incandescent lamp to complete the circuit that makes them work. If there is no incandescent lamp on the circuit, the timer will eventualy quit working. Not only that, but the constant tiny flow through the fluorescent lamp will also cause the lamp to quit too.

If you have a neutral wire available in your switch box, you can get a wall switch timer that will work with your setup. I've not seen a fluorescent rated one that does not use a neutral, but they may exist as well.

[WannaKnow]

I see... By the way thank you very much for very thought out answers. You guys are great!

So to summarize, I understand that before I run out to buy Intermatic SS7C that does work with fluorescent lights, I need to make sure I have a neutral wire in the switch box. If I do not, the timer won't work with fluorescents.

I guess, I'll just stick to regular incandescent and forget about trying to save a bit on electricity. Maybe I'll buy 40 watt lights if they exist.