Energy saving lightbulbs

[ceebee007]

What is the reason that energy saving lightbulbs say on the box that they are not suitable for use in lamps on a timer?

[tony1941]

Are you sure it said "timer" and not "dimmer"?  There is no reason I can think of why they won't work with a simple (plug-in type) timer; I've done it many times.  The matter of a dimmer, is, however, completely different since the lamp's circuitry does not take kindly to the "chopped -up" waveform which dimmers produce electronically.

[WendyS]

We have used energy saving lightbulbs with automatic timers on table lamps for a long time without problems, both the digital types and the old fashioned types with the little pins you pull in and out to nominate the desired timings. But you can't use them with dimmer switches.

So good luck with saving electricity and improving your home security.