Standard Fluorescent Lights use up to 10 times the wattage to start. This
surge may be higher that the contact rating of the timer.

JOhn


"2pods" wrote in message
...
I've used a mechanical timer on my tank lights since I've had it.
In preparation for my new tank arriving, I went to Homebase to pick up a
pack.
However, all the mechanical, and most of the digital timers had warnings
on them saying not to be used with fluorescent lights.
Why ?

Or do they mean the old style ballast with a start up routine/flicker
whatever ?

Peter