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Flickering lights
Herbalus
Posts: 2,634 Forumite
Our bathroom light, which I think is a d2 bulb (about the size of a dinner plate on the ceiling), flickers on and off like a strobe light for 30 seconds when we turn on the switch. Having no window in the bathroom, it is incredibly annoying (glad I don't have epilepsy or I would be dead it's that bad), and yes, we have to stand outside the bathroom for 30 seconds every time we want to go in there.
Any ideas on how to fix this/what the problem could be? We replaced the bulb with a new one found under the sink, but that didn't change anything apart from possibly making the strobe show a few seconds shorter.
Any ideas on how to fix this/what the problem could be? We replaced the bulb with a new one found under the sink, but that didn't change anything apart from possibly making the strobe show a few seconds shorter.
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Comments
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Is this a fluorescent light fitting? If so change the starter, if it has one.No free lunch, and no free laptop
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I will check the starter when I get back. New bulb (from sealed packet) didn't improve much, though will leave that in there as the old one did have blackening ends.0
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Sometimes the starter (cylindrical shaped) can be behind a metal plate when you remove the lamp.
If the light fitting doesn't have a starter, it most-likely has an electronic ballast. In that case, it's usually cheaper and easier to replace the complete light fitting.If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button!0 -
Changed the starter at the weekend, and also changed the bulb. No effect whatsoever, and the flickering continues. Any other ideas?0
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Either there is some contact bounce in the switch or the ballast is faulty. It could also be a loose connection in the switch terminals or light fitting too.
If you have a normal switch and you are competent with electrics, try substituting that first.
If it is the ballast, it's probably easier and cheaper to replace the entire light fitting.
Is there a fan that also switches on at the same time?If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button!0 -
How would I check whether the ballast is faulty?
There is an extractor fan that turns on at the same time, but that has its own switch so can be turned off. Is that likely to make a difference? The other day I switched the extractor fan off and then on again (lights were off - the fan is on a 30 minute timer so goes on for ages), and when I turned it on the light jumped.
It's a rental property, and I've been there a month. I might mention it to the landlord (I don't know too much about electronics), but don't want to get an electrician out if it's a simple fix.0 -
Just to rule out any interaction from the fan, try switching off the fan isolator switch and then operating the light switch.
Do you still have the 30 seconds of flicker from the light?
Are you sure that the fan is on a 30 minute timer setting! You can easily adjust that.If my post hasn't helped you, then don't click the 'Thanks' button!0
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