How many hours a day do you leave them turned on? Are they reflector type lamps or A-lamps (basic light bulbs)?

If these lights are left on all night, then 6 months or less sounds about right.

I use retrofit compact fluorescents (usually Osram Sylvania twists, or LOA tri-lites or mini-twists) in all my outdoor fixtures. They last 2-3 years in the ones which are on photocells, 5-6 years in others.

I purchased the extra long life high end lights from frontgate - save your money. They were a total waste, we've already burned through some of them. Most of the problems we're having is vibration but there was no extension in the life of the lamp if you ask me.

Davidr, being in California, we have to comply with Title 24, which requires that outdoor lighting be not only photocell but also motion detecting on/off. I was just wondering if you had used an outdoor fixture with compact fluorescents that is both photocell and motion detecting.

Nope, sorry.

For CFs you need hard contacts; they're usually unhappy with triac type photocells or motion sensors. I haven't used a motion detector is several years, but the ones I installed about 10 years ago clearly had relays (hard contacts) in them, because I could hear them click when they turned on and off. Sorry, I don't recall the brand. They were a mid-priced brand, not the cheapest and not the most expensive.

I'd say that in most cases if you can hear a click any time the light switches on or off, you should be able to use a CF in that fixture. Anyone with experience to the contrary or corroboration, please chime in here.

dmlove

You realize that if you use approved high efficiency fixtures, you don't need motion sensors? (4 pin compact fluorescents)

Dim, thanks for that reminder. I was operating under the assumption outdoor lights HAD to be photocell and motion sensor. I'm happy to use high efficacy fixtures, other than in the two places (side and front porches) where I actually want the photocell/motion sensor type.