New LED bulbs glow with switch "off"
#1
01-22-17, 10:51 PM
New LED bulbs glow with switch "off"
I have two pendant light fixtures in kitchen that came with halogen bulbs with double bayonet base (BA15d). I bought LED bulbs with same base and replaced the halogens with them. The LED bulbs work fine, but I am concerned because they continue to emit a small amount of light when turned off at the wall switch. The glow is ongoing, it does not disappear after some amount of elapsed time. Would appreciate thoughts on what might be causing this, whether it represents any danger, and how to fix if possible. Thanks.
#2
01-22-17, 11:14 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
What type of switch is in the wall ?
Is it a standard on-off switch, or any type of dimmer or lit switch ?
With any type of electronic switch the load is so small from the LED's that it cannot fully turn off. It is not a problem or a hazard.
What type of switch is in the wall ?
Is it a standard on-off switch, or any type of dimmer or lit switch ?
With any type of electronic switch the load is so small from the LED's that it cannot fully turn off. It is not a problem or a hazard.
#3
01-23-17, 03:05 AM
As Pete mentioned lit switches will allow just enough electricity to pass by to either allow the bulb to glow or even flicker. I have in my closet, and while the flickering is noticeable in a totally dark environment, it isn't a hazard.
#4
01-23-17, 12:15 PM
The pendant lights in question are controlled by a standard wall switch with no dimmer or locator light.
If it matters, please note that recessed lights in kitchen and dining area are on the same circuit as the pendant lights, and the switches controlling the recessed lighting are dimmer switches with locator lights.
All of the recessed lighting was previously converted to LED retro-fits. It's interesting to me that none of these emit light when switch is off. They go completely dark.
The new LED bulbs for the pendants, the subject of my initial post, are the cylindrical "corn row" type where you can see the rows of small LEDs. Is this type of LED bulb particularly susceptible to emitting light when switched off?
I will check back and see if this additional info prompts any more comments. Thanks much.
If it matters, please note that recessed lights in kitchen and dining area are on the same circuit as the pendant lights, and the switches controlling the recessed lighting are dimmer switches with locator lights.
All of the recessed lighting was previously converted to LED retro-fits. It's interesting to me that none of these emit light when switch is off. They go completely dark.
The new LED bulbs for the pendants, the subject of my initial post, are the cylindrical "corn row" type where you can see the rows of small LEDs. Is this type of LED bulb particularly susceptible to emitting light when switched off?
I will check back and see if this additional info prompts any more comments. Thanks much.
#5
01-23-17, 01:44 PM
As a test remove the switch. If no glow replace the switch maybe with a commercial grade switch.
I have cheap corn row bulbs on a switch that may be older than me and I have never noticed a glow. I'll check the room tonight but I'm sure I would have noticed.
I have cheap corn row bulbs on a switch that may be older than me and I have never noticed a glow. I'll check the room tonight but I'm sure I would have noticed.
#6
01-23-17, 04:20 PM
Group Moderator
There is another problem I've seen. If the switch was in the neutral side of the circuit instead of the hot side of the circuit.... a ballast, inverter or power supply could get power thru the ground and stay on real dim.
#8
01-25-17, 02:09 AM
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As pj said some power can leak through and the tiniest amount of power is enough for the led or ballast on a cfl to start or attempt to. I installed a motion sensor switch in my room and when turned completely off they would emit a glow still. Someone suggested putting in one incandescent along with the other new bulbs and it seemed to stop.
#9
01-27-17, 03:28 PM
Thanks for all the comments, everyone. I'm putting up with the glow for now, knowing that it is not a big problem, but might try a commercial grade switch
at some point.
I also have a light fixture over the dining table that has four halogen bulbs. I might switch these to LED as well - they would be the same corn row type. I've noticed that the light that these LEDs emit when on is almost identical to the halogen bulbs - I cannot really tell the difference. So I might try out the suggestion to leave one halogen bulb in place if the LED glow bugs me. Would still be a significant improvement in energy consumption.
at some point.
I also have a light fixture over the dining table that has four halogen bulbs. I might switch these to LED as well - they would be the same corn row type. I've noticed that the light that these LEDs emit when on is almost identical to the halogen bulbs - I cannot really tell the difference. So I might try out the suggestion to leave one halogen bulb in place if the LED glow bugs me. Would still be a significant improvement in energy consumption.
