LED light strobing when turned off

[ScottGoddard]

Just wondering if anyone can help. I have fitted (now taken off) a new LED bathroom light and it all works fine , however, when its turned off it strobes = very annoying. I have read that this can be solved with a capacitor, which is great. Has any one fitted one? If so, how to you wire on up

 

[Racers]

Its caused by some voltage across the led even when the switch is off, picked up from cables close to others, I can't see a way round it.
Don't wire a capacitor across mains unless you want a big bang.

Pete

 

[sunnybob]

Have you checked that the connections are the right way round, and that ALL connections are clean and tight?

 

[Sheffield Tony]

Is it a circuit with two switches ? Would be odd in a bathroom, but possible I guess.

It's possible that the bulk capacitor in the integrated electronics is slowly charging from a leakage current or capacitive coupling in the cable of a dual switch configuration, until it reaches a level of charge enough for the power supply to start up, and empty the capacitor into the load. A sort of inadvertent relaxation oscillator.

 

[clanger]

Don't wire a capacitor across mains unless you want a big bang.

He He!!! Takes me back to my college days: Take largest Electrolytic Cap we could get our hands on from the labs. Wire it between the Live and Neutral on extension lead. Run extension lead out of window (college digs). Plug in and switch on.

I've grown up now (honest, m'lud)

Chris

 

[ScottGoddard]

Is it a circuit with two switches ? Would be odd in a bathroom, but possible I guess.

It's possible that the bulk capacitor in the integrated electronics is slowly charging from a leakage current or capacitive coupling in the cable of a dual switch configuration, until it reaches a level of charge enough for the power supply to start up, and empty the capacitor into the load. A sort of inadvertent relaxation oscillator.

Yes as there is a fan with a switch as well.

 

[ScottGoddard]

Have you checked that the connections are the right way round, and that ALL connections are clean and tight?

Yup, several times.

 

[ScottGoddard]

Its caused by some voltage across the led even when the switch is off, picked up from cables close to others, I can't see a way round it.
Don't wire a capacitor across mains unless you want a big bang.

could I insulate them more some how?

Pete

 

[sunnybob]

Try disconnecting both wires to the fan. Its possible its back feeding through the motor.

 

[ScottGoddard]

Try disconnecting both wires to the fan. Its possible its back feeding through the motor.

Worked! thanks,

 

[sunnybob]

good to know it cured it.