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Installed a timer on a light fixture to control the patio light. When the light is off, I can see the light bulb flickering. Like there is still pulse of electricity flowing through. You can't see it in day time, only when it get's dark (before it turns on).Question - is this normal? Is it something wrong? I'm using a compact floresent bulb. Is that the reason it's flickering?

There should not be any current going to the light when timer is set to the off position. But, try a regular bulb to see if it does the same thing.

yea do what bluecrush said and try a diff bulb, then check all the connections to make sure none are touching anything they shouldnt.

The timer should be installed on the hot side of the circuit, normally the black wire. If improperly installed on the neutral, (white) this will occur sometimes.

Quote, originally posted by jimincalif »The timer should be installed on the hot side of the circuit, normally the black wire. If improperly installed on the neutral, (white) this will occur sometimes.I'll have to check. Two more questions.1. Are floresent bulbs "bad" to use with timers? I read they should not be use with dimmers or photo sensors.2. This was done by an electrician of 20+ years (family out of state). Is this a common error (installed on the neutral), or is this more common for rookies?

The timer you use should state that it can operate with compact flourescent bulbs. If it is for incandescent bulbs only (bulbs with a filament), you will have problems using compact flourescent bulbs (up to and including fires!)Most mechanical timers can operate safely with both types of bulbs. But, electronic timers usually only operate safely with incandescent bulbs, unless they operate with a relay (positive on-off function).See http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=20318 for another discussion on the subject.

Quote, originally posted by GoLowDrew »1. Are floresent bulbs "bad" to use with timers? I read they should not be use with dimmers or photo sensors.2. This was done by an electrician of 20+ years (family out of state). Is this a common error (installed on the neutral), or is this more common for rookies?Assuming the timer simply switches the circuit on or off, it should not be a problem with them, dimmers are a whole different thing than times.This would be a rookie mistake, not one an electrician would make.

Quote, originally posted by Baltovibe »The timer you use should state that it can operate with compact flourescent bulbs. If it is for incandescent bulbs only (bulbs with a filament), you will have problems using compact flourescent bulbs (up to and including fires!)Most mechanical timers can operate safely with both types of bulbs. But, electronic timers usually only operate safely with incandescent bulbs, unless they operate with a relay (positive on-off function).See http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=20318 for another discussion on the subject.Florescents are bad to use with a lot of electronic timers. I've had this problem myself.