I've been using socket rockets for years.
BUT I'm using them with compact fluorescents and the owners manual SPECIFICALLY says NOT to use them with fluorescents .
So the question is WHY? They don't dim, they don't suffer from "local control" problems, so why does X10 say not to use them with the bulb of the future?
P.S - I am NOT recommending to use X10 products in a manner conflicting with the owners manual.
This is probably a COB (cover our but*s) statement from X10.
As pointed out, the Socket Rocket has no local control, nor can it dim. BUT it does still use a triac and triacs do not like highly inductive or reactive loads, unless they are properly bypassed (snubbed) for the specific type of load (either inductive OR reactive).
Most CFLs because of their transistor power supply probably look resistive to the triac, which is what the triacs like when no snubber network is used. Therefore, most CFLs “play nice” with the Socket Rocket.
However there are still “Circleline” style round fluorescent tube lights (“halo lights”) with inductive ballasts, made to screw into a standard light socket (or a Socket Rocket by a user choosing to ignore warnings). The Socket Rocket and these round fluorescent lights that use a “choke” or “magnetic”or “transformer”or “inductive” etc. etc. ballast, may NOT play nice.
So how does X10 instruct the customer (a few of whom are lawyers ) which fluorescent lights a Socket Rocket can be used with, and which ones can not??? The simple answer is; X10 doesn't, they can’t.
Instead, they have to say “Do not use with any fluorescent lights”. I do believe that carefully conducted, long term testing, under controlled conditions, can tell you who will play nice with who. (Familiar disclaimer follows) I am NOT recommending to use X10 products in a manner conflicting with the owners manual.
