LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

[Derek23]

We replaced the old halogen lamps with LED ones supplied with line voltage (230V), older ones had a 230 to 12V transformer, and when they are switched off they are still lit although very dim, also I have replaced a incandescent bulb with a CFL in my room and when switched off it blinks a bit each second during an hour then stops, this happens in all the rooms they are installed with different switches, anyone knows why? I don't understand how current can flow with the switches off.

Many thanks

[joshnz]

Re: LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

CFLs do the flashing thing due to the capacitor inside.
As for your led light replacements all I can think of is induced current in the wires.

[ipman]

Re: LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

You should check the electrical wiring.
Your switch is interrupting neutral, not live as it should be.

[kc8adu]

Re: LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

photoswitches,x10,other remote switches do this since they draw a bit of power through the load.

[Derek23]

Re: LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

Many thanks , then I'll make sure the switch cuts the live!

[fabrizziop]

Re: LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

Does your switch has a little pilot light that is on when the lamp is off?. If yes, that's the problem.

[Gordon01]

Re: LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

Many thanks , then I'll make sure the switch cuts the live!

It doesn't matters.

Does your switch has a little pilot light that is on when the lamp is off?. If yes, that's the problem.

Yes! Even small current thru LED is enough to charge CFL's cap.
Probable the same problem with LED lamps.
The switch must be real mechanical naked switch: without pilot LEDs or something

[Derek23]

Re: LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

Does your switch has a little pilot light that is on when the lamp is off?. If yes, that's the problem.

No, it's a normal switch (well those who you can control the lamps with 2 switches I don't remember the name currently).

It doesn't matters.

Then does this have a fix? It's annoying and maybe bad for the lamps

[delaware74b]

Re: LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

Derek - the switches are called 3-way (for having 3 current-carrying terminals). These switches can be a problem due to being able to bleed voltage. I've run into similar situations you're describing caused by the bleed. I use a non-contact voltage tester regularly in my line of work as an electrician. The problem is the tester is sensitive enough to pick up as low as 40 volts. The bleed level normally seen on a 3-way switch setup is around 50 volts.

With that said, carefully take a voltage reading with the switches 'off' and I'm willing to bet you're having issues with bleed or induced voltage.

[Derek23]

Re: LED lamps a bit lit when switched off

Many thanks Delaware

You're correct, there is ~35V in my case, and it fluctuates a bit!