Why LED lamps light when the switch is off: reasons and solutions

You do not know why the LED lamps light when the switch is off? Agree: few people will please the problems in the functioning of the lighting system. Do you prefer to find the cause of the glow of the LEDs yourself, without involving an electrician? However, you do not know where the weak spot is?

We will show you how to deal with a difficult problem. The article describes the most common situations that cause the lamps to glow after they are turned off. Ways to solve the problem are considered, recommendations are given for choosing a reliable light source from a trusted manufacturer.

The measures recommended by us will allow us to avoid a number of difficult situations during the further operation of such devices. The special design of the LED luminaires guarantees an economical consumption of electricity and a long service life.

LED lamp design

In order to find out the cause of the glow of the device after turning it off, you need to carefully consider the device of the LED device, and also find out the principle of its operation.

The design of such a lamp is quite complicated; It consists of the following elements:

• Chips (Diodes). The main element of the lamp, providing radiation of a stream of light.
• Printed aluminum circuit board on thermally conductive mass. This component is designed to remove excess heat into the radiator, due to which the device maintains the temperature necessary for the correct operation of the chips.
• Radiator. A device to which heat is supplied from the other nodes of the LED lamp. Usually this part is made of anodized aluminum alloy.
• Basement Lamp base for connecting to a lamp socket. Typically, this element is made of brass, coated on top with a layer of nickel.The deposited metal counteracts corrosion while promoting contact between the instrument and the cartridge.
• Base. The lower part adjacent to the base is made of polymer. Due to this, the case is protected from penetration by electric current.
• Driver. A node that provides stable uninterrupted operation of the device even in the case of a sharp change in the indicators of voltage drops in the electrical system. The functioning of this unit occurs similarly to a galvanically isolated modulator of an electric current stabilizer.
• Diffuser. Glass hemisphere covering the device from above. As the name implies, the part is designed to maximize the dispersion of the light flux that the diodes emit.

All nodes of the device are connected to each other, which ensures its reliable operation.

The principle of operation of the equipment

The specific circuitry of LED devices manufactured by various manufacturers can vary significantly. However, all of them are based on the general principle of operation, which can be schematically displayed as follows.

The scheme of the LED lamp. To create a greater effect of the pn junction, semiconductors are used in the structures, the surface of which is alloyed with various materials

When turned on led lampconnected to the mains, the chaotic movement of electrons begins inside the container. Colliding with each other and with holes in the pn junction region — the contact of two semiconductors with different types of conductivity — the particles are converted into photons, due to which light emission occurs.

To optimize the process, additional devices can also be used, for example, different types of resistors or current-limiting elements.

Pros and cons of LEDs

Such products have gained popularity among the population, thanks to a number of positive qualities. Their main advantage is profitability: the lamps have a long service life, which is confirmed by warranty for three years. In addition, their functioning requires a minimum amount of energy.

An important advantage is environmental safety. LED devices do not emit ultraviolet waves, which can harm living organisms. Hazardous materials are not used in their design, which facilitates disposal.

A detailed image of the structure of the LED lamp with the designation of all elements, as well as informative signatures that tell about the purpose of the nodes

The disadvantages of LED-devices in the first place include high cost. It should also be noted that their work has specific features: sometimes LEDs blink or do not turn off even after the switch is turned off.

These shortcomings are caused by the conservation of charge, which accumulates in the capacitor. A weak pulsating current leads to blinking, and a stronger one creates a long glow.

How harmful are burning lamps?

As mentioned above, one of the most common violations in the operation of LEDs is the inability to completely turn off the light source. The lamps continue to burn, using approximately 5% of normal power for several minutes or even hours.

Sometimes dim lighting tires the inhabitants of apartments, but some use muffled burning lamps as nightlights.

It is worth adding that the defect does not adversely affect the wiring condition, and the energy consumption increases very slightly, since the LEDs consume a small amount of electricity.

All manipulations with the wiring, including disconnecting the wire, connecting or replacing parts, must be carried out only after turning off the power supply

Nevertheless, experts advise to fix the problem as soon as possible, since the residual luminescence of the LEDs significantly reduces their service life.In addition, the causes of this phenomenon can lead to serious trouble.

The main causes of residual glow

The reasons that trigger the burning of LEDs can be different.

Among the most common include:

• Problems associated with the wiring, which is laid in the apartment. This may be a broken section of the circuit or a violation of the insulation of one of the wires.
• Incorrect wiring diagram for the device to the switch or switchboard.
• The use of a backlit switch, as well as the use of other difficultly compatible devices: sensors, modules, timers, etc.
• Low quality of used devices or individual features of models.

Below we will consider each of the reasons in detail, also indicating measures that contribute to solving problems in various cases.

Reason # 1 - switch with backlight option

If you encounter a problem of constantly burning lamps, you should first look at the switch. According to electricians, the most common cause of this phenomenon is the use of backlit switch.

The light switch with the backlight function does not allow you to completely break the circuit, so the lamps will glow dimly for a long time. When this option is turned off, the system will go off and the LED-device will turn off

In this case, the devices come into conflict: even an off switch cannot fully open the circuit due to the backlight, which is fed through the resistance. Since the system remains open, a small voltage reaches the lamp, which causes a dim glow.

Similar problems can be caused when using other electrical devices: photocells, timers connected to lamps motion sensors and light.

The way to solve this problem. Since such a defect with LED lamps that burn even when the switch is off is quite common, electrical specialists have gained extensive experience in correcting the situation.

These may be the following options:

• circuit breaker replacement;
• backlight off;
• installation of an additional resistor;
• replacing one of the lamps in the chandelier with a weaker analogue;
• the use of resistance with a large power indicator.

The easiest way is to replace the backlit switch with standard switch model without additional function. However, this decision is associated with additional cash costs, as well as with the reinstallation of the device.

Preserving the lamp burning after the switch is turned off can also be associated with the use of a capacitor with a higher capacity in the device, where there is a charge sufficient for a weak glow

If the presence of the backlight on the switch is not essential, you can simply bite the resistance with the pliers, which sets the power supply for it. Adding a shunt resistor will help to turn off the LED while maintaining the backlight. A device with a resistance exceeding 50 kOhm and a power of 2-4 W can be purchased at a specialized store.

To connect it, you need to remove the ceiling from the lamp, and then attach the wires extending from the device to the terminal strip with network cores, which will allow you to connect in parallel with the lamp.

In this case, the current passing through the LED will not flow through the driver capacitor, but through the newly connected node. As a result, the reactance recharging stops and the LEDs turn off when the switch is turned off.

To correct the operation of a multi-track chandelier, it is enough to install one additional resistor. There is no need to connect such a part to each of the lamps

If the problem is identified in a multi-track chandelier, you can install an incandescent lamp in one of the departments with a minimum power that will collect all the current coming from the capacitor.

A similar solution can be applied to a single-track chandelier by installing an adapter with one to two cartridges. At the same time, when using this method, a faint luminescence of one light bulb will nevertheless remain.

The desired result will also be obtained by replacing the usual resistance in the switch with its analog with a large number of ohms. However, to perform such manipulations, you will need to consult an electrician.

Reason # 2 - electrical wiring malfunctions

Quite often, the source of non-switching off lamps is a failed wiring. If a violation of insulation is suspected, it is necessary to apply a high voltage to the device for several minutes to simulate the conditions causing breakdowns in the electrical network.

To find the place of damage to the hidden cable, you can also use homemade or professional products designed for this purpose.

If the problem really is worn insulation, the apartment must partially or completely replace the wiring. With the cable routing open, the process will take a minimum of time and effort. More difficult work is to be done if hidden wiring walled in the walls was installed in the housing.

Poor insulation can cause malfunctions in LED lighting fixtures. A similar factor is often found with a long life of electrical wiring

In this case, decorative surfaces, for example, wallpaper, as well as plaster, will have to be removed from vertical surfaces. After opening the gate, where the wires are located, the entire cable or damaged area is replaced. In conclusion, it is necessary to seal the canals with gypsum, and then plaster and re-finish the walls.

An alternative temporary solution may be to connect to the network of the device, for example, a resistor or relay, which gives additional load. Similar devices, whose resistance is weaker than that of LEDs, are connected in parallel to the luminous lamps.

In this case, the current is redirected, due to which the operation of the LED devices is regulated: the light goes out immediately after the switch is turned off. The newly connected element will also not function due to the low resistance value.

Reason # 3 - incorrect connection of the lamp

The cause of continuous burning of the lamp may be hidden in connection errors. If during the installation of the switch a zero was connected instead of a phase, it will turn off when the circuit is opened.

At the same time, due to the preserved phase, the wiring will still be energized, due to which the device will glow when the switch is turned off.

So do wrong! Scheme of incorrect connection to the lamp of the switch on the neutral wire. The polarity violation during installation causes a constant current supply, which leads to the luminescence of LED devices even when the switch is turned off

This situation is quite dangerous for the inhabitants of the apartment: since the device is energized, even if it is turned off, you can accidentally receive an electric shock. To remedy the situation, it is necessary to turn off the power supply, then disconnect the wires, and then mount them correctly.

Reason # 4 - poor quality light bulbs

Quite often, the cause of the malfunction is the poor quality of the LED used, which must be replaced with a working one. In order to encounter such problems as rarely as possible, it is better to buy certified products of such brands as PhilipsGauss or ASD,

Well-established Russian brand products Jazway and era.

True, the conservation of luminescence can also be observed in devices manufactured by reputable manufacturers. It can be caused by functional features in the operation of lamp resistors.

LED lamps are available in a large assortment.When choosing them, you should pay attention to both the appearance and technical specifications and operating conditions

So, when an electric current is supplied, thermal energy can accumulate in the device, due to which the LED will light up after turning off, however, for a short time. Companies are struggling with this phenomenon using resistors made of materials that prevent the accumulation of excess heat in the manufacture of equipment.

Recommendations for choosing electrical appliances

One of the important factors for the smooth operation of LED lamps is the selection of products of proper quality. In this case, you should take into account the features under which they will have to operate the devices, as well as their compatibility with other equipment connected to the mains.

Before buying, it is recommended that you carefully read the instructions attached to the LED devices, which indicate the operating rules. It should be noted that a number of popular devices, such as LED dimmers, timers, PV modules can cause malfunctions in the LEDs.

It is also important to carefully examine the appearance of the bulb, paying attention to the junction between the housing and the base, which must reliably and without any defects adjoin the main part. If there are scratches, dents or a sloppy seam, the likelihood of problems with the glow increases significantly.

There are also advanced LED lamp technologies, for example using LED filaments. Although their cost is slightly higher, it is offset by a long service life and excellent quality.

An element such as a radiator is important. It is best to choose an LED in which it is made of aluminum, however, ceramic and graphite analogs also have high characteristics. The size of this part, which is responsible for the removal of thermal energy, the release of which can occur when the light is off, is also important.

For the high-power LED to work correctly, you need to use a large heatsink, while a compact device is enough for a weak device.

As a rule, in specialized stores, sellers test the lamp on. In this case, you need to try to check the level of flicker: the lighting device should emit a steady light stream without any ripple.

Since it is quite difficult to evaluate this factor with the naked eye, it is better to photograph the turned-on device on the camcorder of a mobile phone. Recording will allow you to better evaluate its work.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video reveals the two most common causes of LED lamp burning even after turning off the power. Detailed instructions are also provided for resolving them:

The glow of the lamps when the switch is off is not only unpleasant for the eyes, but also dramatically reduces the life of the LEDs. To fix the problem, you need to establish the cause that causes the malfunction of the devices, and then eliminate it.

In most cases, it will take a minimum of time and effort to correct the situation. Necessary work can be done independently using elementary tools.

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