Residual Current issue?

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tek

111 posts

Master Geek

#249035 21-Apr-2019 19:35

Good evening friends.

Currently in my rental we have noticed the LED lights in the garage staying on dim when the switch is off (pictures below).

This does have the benefit of allowing us to not use the lights at night when using the fridge in there, but have wondered if this could be a serious issue we should get someone in for? This circuit is on a Breaker with an RCD.

Light Switch On:

Light Switch Off:

Breaker or RCD Off:

edit: grammer

sparkz25

750 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#2221832 21-Apr-2019 19:45

Are the lights 2 way? as in can be switched on or off at more than one location? what kind of lamps are you using?

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jpoc

1034 posts

Uber Geek

#2221834 21-Apr-2019 19:46

Is the light connected up to some other system like the garage door opener?

If I operate the auto door opener in my garage it turns a light on. With an incandescent bulb fitted everything appears to be fine but the opener does not fully turn off the curent to the lamp and so, if a fluorescent bulb is fitted it will flick on every few seconds and then go out and an LED unit will glow faintly.

tek

111 posts

Master Geek

#2221837 21-Apr-2019 19:51

sparkz25:

Are the lights 2 way? as in can be switched on or off at more than one location? what kind of lamps are you using?

Not a 2 way circuit. These are high output Philips LED E27 bulbs. Only started happening a week ago.

Also, not connected to the Garage Doors, we have LED's in these too which are fine.

Will also add this house is only about 6 years old.

sparkz25

750 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#2221843 21-Apr-2019 19:59

Could be crappy contacts in the switch mech, Or it could be inductance from the switch wire if its been wired as livened a the lights.

what does it do when you put a old incandescent lamp in one fitting and a led in the other?

gregmcc

2032 posts

Uber Geek

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#2221845 21-Apr-2019 20:08

this is a typical problem with LED lamps

usually induction from nearby live wires, because LED lamps require such little power to run induction from a nearby live circuit causes this.

There are units your electrician can fit at the light switch (behind the switch) to eliminate this.

tek

111 posts

Master Geek

#2231402 6-May-2019 09:38

Apologizes for the delay guys. Been away for work and this slipped my mind.

It seemed to be bad contacts behind the switch. We pulled this off last weekend and discovered half of the live wire was hanging out. Put this back in and tightened and now the lights are turning off correctly.

Was nice having the nightlight to be honest!