Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: paul.fr on 22/08/2007 21:18:00

Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: paul.fr on 22/08/2007 21:18:00
I notice that when i use dimmed lights, ie i dim the lights. The bulbs seem to get brighter, then fade, brighter, then fade every second or two. why is that?
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: neilep on 22/08/2007 21:21:45
I have the same with mine....eventually they just go out !..in fact..I can't have them without top brightness or off !

In my case I think it's a faulty dimmer switch but in your case it may be something quite different !!
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: paul.fr on 22/08/2007 21:32:05
In my case I think it's a faulty dimmer switch but in your case it may be something quite different !!

i was hoping that was not the answer, although i have dimmers in all rooms and they all do this.
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: neilep on 22/08/2007 21:52:26
In that case it can NOT be a faulty switch if it occurs all over!!..it's just too coincidental (unless it was a faulty batch and they were installed all at the same time)...... ....I have it other rooms too and it only happens in one room !..
I hope you get a resolution.
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: lyner on 23/08/2007 22:37:05
Are the lights ordinary tungsten filament?
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: paul.fr on 24/08/2007 09:22:19
Are the lights ordinary tungsten filament?

That they are, husband of Sophie.
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: lyner on 24/08/2007 12:26:01
Hi Paul
It's OWNER of Sophie, asamatteroffact.
(Husband of Alison)
As far as the dimmers are concerned, I think it must have been a dodgy batch that you fitted. I did have the same problem with an old dimmer and just changed it. You could try changing just one dimmer and see if that works. Otherwise you will need some root of hemlock and a toe of frog . . . . Is you house built on the site of an old Indian graveyard?
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: paul.fr on 24/08/2007 12:51:07
I did tell you i had a terrible memory. apologies wrote down on a note, placed in a bottle and sealed with a cork. then thrown in the nearest area of water...
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: Karen W. on 24/08/2007 13:17:46
Hi Paul
It's OWNER of Sophie, asamatteroffact.
(Husband of Alison)
As far as the dimmers are concerned, I think it must have been a dodgy batch that you fitted. I did have the same problem with an old dimmer and just changed it. You could try changing just one dimmer and see if that works. Otherwise you will need some root of hemlock and a toe of frog . . . . Is you house built on the site of an old Indian graveyard?


Sorry to butt in, Is Sophie a Horse?
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: paul.fr on 24/08/2007 14:14:20
Sorry to butt in, Is Sophie a Horse?

At the risk of getting this wrong. Sophie, is Mr A's boat.

note to self: you are possibly dimmer that those switches:end of note
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: Karen W. on 24/08/2007 14:16:29
AHHH  a Boat!! Nice.. LOL

I have no dimmer switches in my house as I like it either dark or bright, or candle lit!
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: lyner on 26/08/2007 23:29:41
1. So, did changing one dimmer have any effect, Paul?
2. Yes, you're right. Sophie is a Westerly Centaur (yacht, 26ft long, elderly and spacious).
Was out on her this weekend in Chichester Harbour; very relaxing.
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: paul.fr on 27/08/2007 20:30:53
1. So, did changing one dimmer have any effect, Paul?
2. Yes, you're right. Sophie is a Westerly Centaur (yacht, 26ft long, elderly and spacious).
Was out on her this weekend in Chichester Harbour; very relaxing.

1. No, i have the same "problem". I very rarely use lighting at home so i can live with it, i just think it strange. unless, as you say, i have a dodgy batch of dimmers.

2. yes, i am right!
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: lyner on 27/08/2007 23:50:17
1. Oh!
2. You certainly are.
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: paul.fr on 28/08/2007 03:17:55
1. Quite.
2. it's becomig a habit! ;)
Title: flashing light bulbs
Post by: Soul Surfer on 31/08/2007 23:12:12
Dimmer switches on tungsten filament bulbs reduce the temperature of the filament and the bulb's efficiency they also make it very susceptible to small voltage changes so if you live in an area where the voltage is not very stable for example in a semi rural area where electricity is supplied via mains voltage overhead wires the lights will tend to vary a bit with the voltage.