Why are energy-saving light bulbs blinking? Why does the switched off energy saving lamp flash?

In the modern world, users are increasingly using their energy-saving "sisters" instead of conventional incandescent lamps. However, along with the convenience and savings in the operation of such electrical appliances, unexpected problems arise. Among such "surprises" is often called flashing lights after turning off. Why are energy-saving light bulbs blinking ? Let's understand.

How it works? The difference between different types of lamps

As you know, manufacturers produce several types of lamps. The most famous and common until recently were ordinary incandescent lamps. Such a lighting accessory emits light due to very strong glow, the heating of a special wire inside the glass bulb. It is called the "filament".

There are also fluorescent and energy-saving light bulbs. In such lighting fixtures there is no filament. The operation of such lamps is due to the formation of a potential difference. In this case, the electrons that fly inside the device in the gas cause it to glow.

With a decrease in the current passing through the filament, the lamp begins to shine dimmer, and if it significantly falls, it may completely go out.

Before we start to understand why the energy-saving light bulbs blink , we will determine what kind of conditions they have.

1. Power is not supplied to the lamp, and it is turned off.
2. A slight tension comes on the bulb. Sometimes it can be a current in a small amount, too small to start. At the same time, the capacitor is gradually charging. When sufficient voltage accumulates, the light enters for a short time. However, the capacitor is instantly discharged, and the device immediately goes out. This process looks as if an energy saving light bulb is blinking.
3. When sufficient power is supplied, the light will turn on for the lamp to function normally. The device serves to perform its main function - lighting the room, objects, terrain, etc.

Now that you have become acquainted with the principle of the "energy-saving" bulbs, you can begin to understand why the energy-saving light bulbs are blinking.

Causes of flashing energy saving lamps

As mentioned earlier, the construction of the "housekeeper" lamp includes a capacitor that charges to a certain voltage, at which the trigger is triggered, that is, the lighting device is turned on. However, not all so simple. So why are energy-saving light bulbs blinking? Blinking does not occur from the charge of the capacitor, the reason is the presence of some small current flowing through the light bulb. It is he who charges the capacitor.

The first reason

Almost all users who ask the question of why the energy-saving light bulbs are flashing are dealing with devices that are connected to switches with illumination. It is for powering the backlight bulb that some amount of current is supplied to the switch, and it, in turn, charges the capacitor, causing the lighting device to flash.

How to deal with blinking? Method one

Earlier we wrote why the switched off energy saving lamp is flashing. At the same time, the incandescent lamps, screwed in instead of the "economy", do not blink. Therefore, the simplest solution is to replace energy-saving lamps with their "sisters" with the filament. However, this option will have to forget about the economical use of electricity.

Of course, you can pick up a few low-power lamps. However, in some cases this solution is not very rational (for example, there is only one bulb for a lamp in a bubble, but you do not want to use a too powerful lamp). Now that you understand why the energy-saving light bulbs flash, you can add one touch to them: solder in parallel with a 10-20-ohm resistor. This element will "pull" the small current that caused the blinking.

Reason two

You are wondering why the energy-saving light bulb is blinking? There is one more reason - there is an interruption of zero. At the same time, it turns out that the phase is constantly coming to the lighting device. When the switch is turned off, zero appears.

The second way to combat blinking

If you have such a situation, it becomes necessary to reconnect the zero and phase to the lighting group in the shield, if such phenomena occur throughout the house or apartment. The situation may be easier - sometimes it is enough to re-scheme, only in a certain junction box.

Before doing any actions, you need to make sure that your breaker actually opens a non-phase wire, and zero. For carrying out such manipulations it is enough to use the help of the indicator. You just have to touch them to each of the wires connected to the switch.

When your indicator does not show the presence of voltage (while the indicator itself is working), then in this case the cause is the rupture of the zero wire. It is necessary to re-connect it in a junction box or switchboard . Now you already know exactly what to do if the energy saving bulb blinks after turning it off.

Another way to combat blinking

If your energy-saving light is blinking after power-off, replace the switch. Get it this time, in which there is no backlight. You can simply turn off the existing light bulb in the circuit breaker using conventional screws. Remove the switch and have a bite of the wire, which gives a light to the lamp.

Sometimes it is enough to swap light bulbs from one room to a lamp-"housekeeper" from another. As they say, "cheap and angry". Can help and screwing in a multicolored chandelier along with energy-saving light bulbs at least one conventional incandescent lamp. It is important to place it in such a cartridge, which is turned off with a backlit key.

Why does the energy saving lamp flash? Is it harmful?

First, determine if you are a nervous person. Many people are blinking energy-saving light bulb on your nerves. In the dark, such blinking can frighten not only the younger members of the family, but also adults. Many users, for the first time faced with this problem, are frightened, thinking that it's a faulty wiring. Some are afraid of the occurrence of a short circuit and, as a result, the occurrence of a fire.

It should be remembered that each electrical appliance has its own specific resource. Energy-saving light bulbs are no exception. Usually, each such "girlfriend" is designed for several thousand inclusions. As you already know, one blink is actually approaching one step of the end of operation of this lighting device. Given that the energy-saving light bulb is quite expensive, it is worth taking care to reduce the useless blinking of light in this device. The measures taken in a timely manner (see above solutions to the problem) will significantly extend the life of the products.

Many energy-saving light bulbs come to us from China. The quality of such devices is very conditional. Sometimes the blinking of bulbs can be caused by a production fault. However, unscrupulous producers, instead of disposing of the defective part in a timely manner, sell it at a bargain price. Unfortunately, very often such products are on our shelves. If you understand that before you a defective product, try to change it to a quality product in the store. If the exchange is not successful, it is better to just throw a defective light bulb. Do not regret money - a possible fire when using such a device can cause much more damage. And it is better to immediately acquire electrical appliances in trusted, reliable stores.

Afterword

Of great importance is what kind of manufacturer you prefer. Many buy cheap energy-saving light bulbs, guided by the principle of "saving - it means saving on the purchase price." You should know that well-known companies try to produce products not only of higher quality, but also more perfect. This applies to energy-saving light bulbs.

Most cheap lighting devices are made from low quality raw materials. As a consequence, the service life of such products is low. Made of higher quality and expensive raw materials, energy-saving light bulbs will not only be safe for you and your family. They will last much longer - the life of products manufactured under well-known brands can last for five to eight years. Now, think, is it really more economical to buy a few light bulbs during this period or is it more profitable to buy one expensive but qualitative one? The conclusion suggests itself.

Now that you know why the energy-saving light bulb is blinking and what are the ways to solve this problem, you just have to start acting!