Dimmable Downlights Still On After Disconnecting Switch

[capd]

Yesterday, some of my dimmable downlights on their own switch began dimly flickering while off. When turning them on, they would work normally, and when turning them off, they would continue flickering. They then stopped flickering and stayed on permanently when off, though dim.

I removed the switch cover and disconnected the wires for the dimmable switch controlling the downlights in question.

They still remain on.

What is the problem? Is there a short on the cover or on one of the other switches causing electricity to seep into the downlights' wires?

 

[krieg]

Yesterday, some of my dimmable downlights on their own switch began dimly flickering while off. When turning them on, they would work normally, and when turning them off, they would continue flickering. They then stopped flickering and stayed on permanently when off, though dim.

I removed the switch cover and disconnected the wires for the dimmable switch controlling the downlights in question.

They still remain on.

What is the problem? Is there a short on the cover or on one of the other switches causing electricity to seep into the downlights' wires?

You get that with cheap LED's, you need to add a resistor to each light to stop the flickering.

 

[capd]

You get that with cheap LED's, you need to add a resistor to each light to stop the flickering.

Pretty sure they are older incandescent ones. Never done this before and would like to get to the bottom of the issue.

 

[krieg]

Pretty sure they are older incandescent ones. Never done this before and would like to get to the bottom of the issue.

Those need to be replaced in any case, 50W compared to <5W. Do you have a multimeter to conduct testing, I would check continuity between line and neutral and line and earth, also the voltage seeing as the cables are disconnected.

 

[Nerfherder]

Yesterday, some of my dimmable downlights on their own switch began dimly flickering while off. When turning them on, they would work normally, and when turning them off, they would continue flickering. They then stopped flickering and stayed on permanently when off, though dim.

I removed the switch cover and disconnected the wires for the dimmable switch controlling the downlights in question.

They still remain on.

What is the problem? Is there a short on the cover or on one of the other switches causing electricity to seep into the downlights' wires?

Did you replace the lights with Dimmable bulbs ? If not then this could be one cause.

Its probably the dimmer though - you would have to replace it.
Dimmable lights are such a mission though, last time I had issues I just got the electrician to switch out the dimmer for a normal switch.

 

[capd]

Those need to be replaced in any case, 50W compared to <5W. Do you have a multimeter to conduct testing, I would check continuity between line and neutral and line and earth, also the voltage seeing as the cables are disconnected.

Fully agree. I never use them due to this, and they aren't in an important enough position to warrant replacing them as yet. I do have a multimeter but am keen for an ASAP solution. I think I should take out the dimmer and test it.

 

[capd]

Did you replace the lights with Dimmable bulbs ? If not then this could be one cause.

Its probably the dimmer though - you would have to replace it.
Dimmable lights are such a mission though, last time I had issues I just got the electrician to switch out the dimmer for a normal switch.

Nope, have not touched them and they are a good 10 - 12 years old. I also thought it might be the dimmer, so will take it out and investigate.

They are more for ambient lighting, and when I use them I always have them dimmed. So would like to keep that.

 

[capd]

Disconnecting the dimmer resolved the issue. Will get a replacement in the near future.

Thanks guys.

 

[Spizz]

Nope, have not touched them and they are a good 10 - 12 years old. I also thought it might be the dimmer, so will take it out and investigate.

They are more for ambient lighting, and when I use them I always have them dimmed. So would like to keep that.

I just replaced 32 of these bulbs in my house. They were all 40 and 50W. If the connection is MR16 (two pins that just push in) then I couldn't find dimmable bulbs anywhere and even the normal non-dimmable warm white were pretty hard to come by. I ended up at Builders where they have 3W bulbs at 4 for R200. But if you find dimmable let me know please.

 

[capd]

I just replaced 32 of these bulbs in my house. They were all 40 and 50W. If the connection is MR16 (two pins that just push in) then I couldn't find dimmable bulbs anywhere and even the normal non-dimmable warm white were pretty hard to come by. I ended up at Builders where they have 3W bulbs at 4 for R200. But if you find dimmable let me know please.

Will do. Ugh, Builders... I avoid them where possible due to pricing.

 

[Spizz]

Will do. Ugh, Builders... I avoid them where possible due to pricing.

R50 a bulb seems to be about normal for this type if looking at Takealot for example (small range and 3rd party "wait 5-7 days" type suppliers) One of the lighting shops in town told me they could order but it'll be over R100 each.

 

[agentrfr]

Yesterday, some of my dimmable downlights on their own switch began dimly flickering while off. When turning them on, they would work normally, and when turning them off, they would continue flickering. They then stopped flickering and stayed on permanently when off, though dim.

I removed the switch cover and disconnected the wires for the dimmable switch controlling the downlights in question.

They still remain on.

What is the problem? Is there a short on the cover or on one of the other switches causing electricity to seep into the downlights' wires?

Earth leakage. Check your DB board that the test button works and trips power. If it doesn't call an electrician

 

[agentrfr]

Disconnecting the dimmer resolved the issue. Will get a replacement in the near future.

Thanks guys.

You may still be having an earth leakage - please check the above. The trigger for the triac in the dimmer was probably being excited which is why the lights were on but very dim

 

[Sheppard_za]

I just replaced 32 of these bulbs in my house. They were all 40 and 50W. If the connection is MR16 (two pins that just push in) then I couldn't find dimmable bulbs anywhere and even the normal non-dimmable warm white were pretty hard to come by. I ended up at Builders where they have 3W bulbs at 4 for R200. But if you find dimmable let me know please.

I cannot find these bulbs, thought about just buying a kit with the new style connector and replacing the whole lot. Also looking for dimmable.