Ilyich's bulbs are gradually being replaced by new models - energy-saving LED lamps. Modern light bulbs are reliable, aesthetically pleasing, consume less electricity and, according to manufacturers' assurances, work for about 10-12 years (about 30 thousand hours of continuous glow). But sometimes users are faced with an unusual phenomenon - LED flickering without power supply. This does not happen with classic lamps. To understand why the energy-saving light flashes when the light is off, it is necessary to understand the principle of the device, the requirements and rules.
- How modern energy-saving lamps work
- Why eliminate flicker
- Why is the turned off energy-saving lamp flashing?
- Backlight on the switch
- Wiring problems
- Poor lamp
- How to eliminate the cause of the blinking
- Removing the backlight
- Changing the parameters of the power circuit
- Creating a lower resistance circuit parallel to the lamp
- Why does the light blink when connected correctly?
- Self-search for the cause of the malfunction
How modern energy-saving lamps work
Compact LED lamps are a type of fluorescent light bulb. The device works according to a simple principle, which practically does not differ in the models. The luminaire consists of the following parts:
- gas discharge tube - a bulb from which a glow emanates;
- body - hides the internal elements of the light bulb;
- the base is the same element in comparison with incandescent lamps, the thread allows you to screw and fix the device into the cartridge; in the middle there is a contact that closes the circuit and conducts electricity.
Plinth size E27 is household, classic size. E40 and E14 - fit the sockets of Ilyich's bulbs, are selected according to the size of the diameter (the numbers indicate the length in millimeters).
The flask - in most cases twisted into a spiral - is sealed on both sides and attached to the body, with electrodes at the ends. The inner part is covered with a special substance - phosphor. The tube is filled with inert gas and mercury vapor (the content is minimal, therefore it does not harm human health). At the moment of connection to the electrical network, the gas is activated and ionized, it lights up, which is accompanied by the glow of the chemical elements of the phosphor.
Mercury is a dangerous chemical compound. In energy-saving bulbs, the content of the substance is minimal, but if the device breaks, it is important to quickly and correctly remove the fragments, process and disinfect the fall site.
The body is made of flame retardant plastic. Important information is applied to the surface - marking indicating power, voltage, color temperature, shutdown limits.
Why eliminate flicker
Constant blinking of the bulb interferes with use, especially at night. On the technical side, the lamp life is reduced (by about half). Repair starts with simple solutions and only then radical measures are taken. First, they check the capabilities of the light bulb, then move on to electrical wiring and other, more serious issues.
Why is the turned off energy-saving lamp flashing?
The most common and daunting disadvantage of using LEDs is that the energy saving lamp blinks when the power is off. There are three main reasons for this "non-standard" behavior. To fix the problem, you need to understand which one is taking place.
Backlight on the switch
Switches and switches are often decorated with multi-colored backlights. They use a small LED or a neon-filled bulb, which add functionality and convenience - the mechanism is easier to find in the dark if there is additional illumination. But there was a problem with flickering - a current charge accumulates on the capacitor, which causes a reaction in the dark.
The scheme of work is as follows:
- At the moment the circuit is closed, the electricity is redirected to the lamp in full.
- After disconnecting the contacts, the current flows to the backlight LED, but a small part accumulates on the lamp capacitor.
- If the accumulated amount is enough, after switching on the fluorescent lamp starts blinking.
- The cycle can be repeated as long as power is supplied and the parts remain functional.
Many manufacturers write on the packaging that the energy-saving lamp is incompatible with illuminated switches, dimmers, and other non-standard devices. It is believed that such additions create critical conditions for the operation of LEDs and quickly disable them.
Wiring problems
Another reason is faults with electrical wiring. At the same time, the sources do not matter - outdated equipment, violation of the integrity of the wires, wiring errors. A common option is an incorrect opening of the circuit to zero, and not to phase. The wizard checks the correctness of the connection. You can do the research yourself, but you will need some knowledge and equipment to measure voltage (a special pointer or an electric clamp).
When working, it is important to take into account the general condition of the electrical wiring. Compliance with safety rules and requirements is mandatory.
Poor lamp
In most cases, the cause of the problem is cheap or faulty equipment - lamps, lamps, sconces, chandeliers. Wanting to save money, buyers buy devices of dubious quality at the lowest prices. Most of these devices do not comply with applicable standards and GOSTs. When buying, take into account the following points:
- integrity of the packaging;
- reputation of the manufacturer and seller;
- performance check before purchase.
For residential premises, warm calm light is chosen, for non-residential premises - cold daylight. Preference is given to compact fluorescent devices, but the final choice is made based on the specific situation.
How to eliminate the cause of the blinking
If the reason for the blinking of the energy-saving light when the switch is off is established, you can try to fix the problem yourself. Certain tools will be required: a screwdriver, an electric current indicator, wire cutters, shrink wrap.
Removing the backlight
Complete elimination of the cause or malfunction is a radical, but most effective way. The first thing when working with any details of the wiring is to de-energize the site and a specific point. They check the presence of voltage with a special device (voltmeter, indicator), you can turn on and off the mechanism. Then do the following:
- Remove the buttons (it is better to use a thin slotted screwdriver).
- Unscrew the fastening parts (screws).
- Remove the device from the seat.
- From the inside, find the box and the place where the backlight is installed.
- Check the method of connecting to the power supply, break the connection, isolate the contacts.
It is important to consider the appearance of the switch - some elements are fixed from the outside, removing parts can ruin the design.
Changing the parameters of the power circuit
An important nuance - such a rework requires the ability to work with a soldering iron and small parts. The area of the circuit does not allow to "turn around", so if you do not have the appropriate skills, it is better to contact an electrician.
Creating a lower resistance circuit parallel to the lamp
To keep the backlight, but avoid blinking problems, you need to create a "workaround" for electricity:
- a resistor is purchased in an electrical parts store (another name is resistance) - power is 2 watts, the value of the nominal resistance is 50 thousand ohms;
- the device is connected in parallel with the lamp connection - in the junction box, connect the device between phase and zero or in the case, near the blinking light.
In high-quality backlit switches, such additional resistors are installed immediately, so expensive devices do not blink. Chinese and less responsible manufacturers do not "bother" with additional details, so fluorescent lamps buzz and flicker.
Why does the light blink when connected correctly?
If the connections to the lamp are correct and the flickering persists, make sure the wiring is correct. The meaning of the circuit breaker is the connection and disconnection of the phase contact. In some cases, the switching falls to zero, therefore a flashing effect occurs. It is necessary to change the contact in the junction box, in rare cases a new cable may be needed.
When the light bulb is located far from the breaker and junction box, EMF can be induced on the wires. This effect often provokes flickering of fluorescent lamps. In this case, a nearby laid cable, actively used gadgets and electrical appliances can become a source.
Self-search for the cause of the malfunction
The main rule is compliance with safety requirements. There are special training ranks among professional electricians - the degree depends on the size of the voltage with which the master has to work. For household maintenance of power grids, the requirements are simpler, but there are general immutable rules:
- Complete blackout of the network - the machine should be turned off at the entrance to the room.
- Eliminate high humidity - it is forbidden to work if there are puddles on the floor, wet walls.
- Use tools with insulating coating (rubberized handles, for example).
Attentiveness and care when performing work will ensure safety, preservation of health and life. If the requirements are met, troubleshooting and repairs are methodically carried out, the lamp will stop flickering at night.
An optional but important recommendation - when performing large-scale work, you should warn your neighbors about the upcoming repairs. On the one hand, if an accident occurs, it will be possible to quickly resolve any issue. On the other hand, relations with neighbors will become more respectful.
Before buying energy-saving lamps, it is worth clarifying the general rules and features of such devices. If the store is reliable, you can consult with the seller - describe the situation, important points. You may have to pay more than planned - this is acceptable if you purchase higher quality equipment with additional resistors and protection drivers.
