I've just fitted a new low power (flurescent) bulb in a ceiling lighting fitting. However, when the light is switched off, it continues to emit at about 3 second intervals, a faint flash. The bulb has three loops of tubing, of which it appears only 1 flashes. Any ideas?
I've two, but I don't know if they might result in this strange behaviour. It is possible that the light switch is on the 'wrong' side of the bulb (on the neutral side, not the live side). It may also be possible that the neutral has some voltage on it, if its not going to ground effectively. I don't know if either of these situations could result in this behaviour though.
So, any ideas? comments?
(I've moved the bulb elsewhere, and it was fine, and a different bulb taken from elsewhere does the same thing in this particular fitting). Oh yes, its not a dimmer switch.
2007-10-27 04:53:16 · 4 answers · asked by ian_the_brit2 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I've just fitted a new low power (flurescent) bulb in a ceiling lighting fitting. However, when the light is switched off, it continues to emit at about 3 second intervals, a faint flash. The bulb has three loops of tubing, of which it appears only 1 flashes. Any ideas?
I've two, but I don't know if they might result in this strange behaviour. It is possible that the light switch is on the 'wrong' side of the bulb (on the neutral side, not the live side). It may also be possible that the neutral has some voltage on it, if its not going to ground effectively. I don't know if either of these situations could result in this behaviour though.
So, any ideas? comments?
(I've moved the bulb elsewhere, and it was fine, and a different bulb taken from elsewhere does the same thing in this particular fitting). Oh yes, its not a dimmer switch.
(thanks for 2-way switch comment - it is a hall light - Dangerous? can be corrected?)
2007-10-28 12:19:32 · update #1
Thanks for the "seen often on two way switch" comment - it is a hall light on a two way switch. Is it dangerous? correctable? Do I need to go back to 'old' style bulbs?
2007-10-28 12:20:30 · update #2
This is usually the result of reversed polarity, i.e. switch on the neutral, but usually needs the lamp to be in proximity to earthed metalwork at the same time. A fluorescent tube will light if you hold it and stand under a pylon! I suggest you check that the switch is on the live, and there is no other leakage in the circuit.
2007-10-27 05:52:45 · answer #1 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most often seen where there is 2-way switching of the luminaire.
Result of induced voltage in the switch wires. There's enough voltage to make the light 'flash' or 'glimmer' but not enough current to sustain it.
2007-10-28 13:11:21 · answer #2 · answered by Pauline 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that the wiring connections in the light switch or ceiling rose are not tightened properley my advice would be to consult an NIC registered electrician to test your installation
2007-10-27 18:21:43 · answer #3 · answered by Neil T 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I do not have this problem and am on dimmer switch.
2007-10-27 12:37:25 · answer #4 · answered by Jadore 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋