CFLs and invertors ?

[John Headstrong]

Can anyone see a problem with running a lighting cicuit (that only has CFL lights) on a modified sine invertor?

[Martin]

in a word..........possibly! - You'd have no problems with old fashioned lightbulbs because they're a simple resistive load - CFLs are much more complicated - in practice, it's "pot luck" - they may work, they may not, they may "buzz" like mad (NOT a good sign)..............honest, for the few extra quid, get a proper true sinewave inverter! (in the long run, it'll be cheaper)

[John Headstrong]

ah, you see that is why I asked, I had not thought about the buzz. Next time I have my hands on a cheap modified sine invertor I will give it a test to see if it does buzz

true sign invertors are quite a bit more cash but I do see your point, I will add a true sinewave inverter to my wish list

[Martin]

or there is a third way - for a small number of lights, you can get 12v cfls - a bit pricier thatn 240v, but no need for an inverter (just make sure to do your sums for the heavier cabling that the lower voltage will need)