I want to switch on fluorescent lamps working on 22vac 50 hz. The lamps are controlled by a time clock which switches them on every evening for about 5 hours. I need a way of switching each lamp individually but I do not want the lamp to come on automatically every day. I thought of using a latching relay with the on /off switch controlling the coil. Then I came across a circuit using a triac. I have a triac 6075 600v and 4 amps. Anode 1 is connected to one side of the lamp ( the other side to the neutral) and to the gate via a 220 Ohm resistor and a normally open press button switch. Gate 2 is connected directly to the live side of the mains. According to the book I took the circuit from it should work but for some reason it doesn't. I tried swapping between anode 1 & 2 without any result. Can anyone advise me. I don't know how to draw a circuit on this forum so I hope it's clear what I'm trying to say