Energy-saving products are rapidly occupying a leading position in the market of electrical goods, respectively, demand for such products is increasing. But due to the design of such lamps, sometimes problems arise that were not previously noticed in incandescent lamps, and one of them is the operation of the lamp after it is turned off.
The worst mistake is connecting through "zero"
Every experienced electrician knows a common truth: a phase wire should be run through the switch. If you do not do this, but pass a “zero” through the device, then even with the light off, a potential hazardous to life and health will remain on the lamp.
In energy-saving lamps, one of the important elements of the board is a capacitor, which is charged when voltage is applied, and after charging it performs a smoothing function. In the absence of "zero", the capacitor will only charge and supply a small amount of electricity to the light source, not providing a stable luminous flux. Hence such pulsations or flashing of the lamp.
Simple to complex: the lamp is faulty
Sometimes you should not complicate your life, and you need to look for a malfunction "from the source." Do not rush to check the connection of the lamp, just screw the new lamp in place of the old one and check how it works. If nothing has changed - the problem is in the wiring or in another place, if the new product is working properly - then the old lamp can be safely sent for disposal.
Such malfunctions often occur with cheap Chinese products, so it is better to initially purchase a more expensive reliable lamp, so as not to overpay in the future. “The miser pays twice” is a proverb that fits this situation very well.
Not common, but problem: illuminated switches
Yes, a very easy-to-use backlit switch can be a real problem, and for a better understanding, a short explanation is needed:
- In the open position, the indicator lamp lights up on the switch, for greater convenience and searching for the product in the dark.
- A certain small current flows through the lamp.
- This very current can flow further along the circuit, depending on the design of the switch itself.
- The current flows to the lamp and charges the capacitor.
- The lamp starts blinking periodically.
The more expensive the switch, the better its design is thought out and the electric current required for the operation of the signaling lamp does not "go" further along the circuit.
There are three ways out of the situation:
- Simply remove the backlight from the switch, usually a small plastic block on the back of the switch. But then a legitimate question arises: why buy an illuminated switch at all and not use it in the future?
- In parallel with the LED lamp, connect an ordinary one, with a filament.
- Solder a small resistor to the phase wire, which can be hidden in the junction box.
You can also purchase a more expensive switch, which will be the most optimal solution.