Motion Sensor Lights Flicker...

[Gunnert]

I switched the large lamps (2) in the Motion Sensor, double fixture outside garage with the new "high dollar" Flourescent bulbs. Lights work fine until timer runs down, the lights won't turn off, they just "flicker"... Any idea? Are these bulbs not compatible for motion sensor circuits?

 

[Orangestang]

I've had that problem and was the bulbs,try the old style bulbs and see what happens.

 

[Gary S]

Your light fixture has a cheap electronic switch inside. Electronic switches never turn fully off, so your CFLs are getting enough power in the off position to attempt to fire. For switching low power draw lights like CFLs, you need a very good electronic switch, or any cheap old mechanical switch.

And, yes, as you might suppose, when using incandescent lamps in a poor fixture like that, they are drawing minimal power all the time and wasting it. Electronic switches do that.