Flickering spotlight

Why does one of our spotlights flicker when the switch is off?

Asked by Steve on 3rd Sep 2024
Expert Trade Answers
"Is it flickering constantly? or randomly flashing? A random flash/flicker could mean the lighting is basically wired the wrong way, meaning the light always has a LIVE supply and the 'neutral' is switching on/off when you turn it on/off. - this will cause random flashing and isnt good for LED's in particular."
Answered on 3rd Sep 2024 - Member since Aug 2024 - report
"Is it CFC, LED, or tungsten. Could be the driver or lamp itself. When you say "one of our spot lights", Are you able to swap it with one you know works."
Answered on 3rd Sep 2024 - Member since Aug 2024 - report
"Cheap bulbs maybe wrong dimmer if you have a dimmer loose/poor connection"
Answered on 3rd Sep 2024 - Member since Jan 2023 - report
"Sounds like the lamp has gone or on its way out and needs replacing"
Answered on 3rd Sep 2024 - Member since Sep 2024 - report
"It is possible that a small amount of voltage could pass from the permanent live wire to switch live particularly if the wiring is old, and only enough to reach the first point."
Answered on 11th Sep 2024 - Member since Mar 2024 - report
"I have come across this problem a couple of times in the past. I found on both occasions that lack of CPC continuity was the problem. I suspect that the disconnected CPC was having a small amount of voltage induced via its close proximity to line conductors under load and then this in turn is inducing a small amount of voltage in the line conductors in the switched off down lights. I hope this helps, it may not be the answer but if I was called to look at those lights that's where I'd start."
Answered on 10th Sep 2024 - Member since Apr 2024 - report
"It is possibly a fault with either a capacitor, driver or transformer."
Answered on 11th Sep 2024 - Member since Aug 2024 - report
"If it is an LED type and its on a two way circuit or other wiring close by (above ceiling) the LED picks up induced power from the wiring which is enough to illuminate the LED slightly, it's not dangerous nor does it use any power.
It can be negated using an RC snubbing device on one of the fittings, if there is more than one fitting only one snubber will be required providing they are on the same circuit."
Answered on 3rd Sep 2024 - Member since Aug 2017 - report
"It can be due to the following reasons:

-residual power
-capacitive coupling
-worn out switch which does not disconnect the power
-voltage fluctuations and surges
-Induction caused by nearby electrical wires that induce small current when circuit is technically off."
Answered on 30th Sep 2024 - Member since May 2024 - report
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