When I turn off my LED lights, Why do they glow?

Are you perplexed by the fact that your LED lights continue to glow even after you switch them off? You're not alone. Many people face this issue and wonder why it happens. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and discuss possible solutions.

 

Reasons for LED Lights Glowing When Power is Switched Off

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LED lights have diodes that can illuminate with a low level of current, unlike conventional bulbs. This low-level current is one of the primary reasons why LEDs consume less electricity. However, it also leads to the glowing of LED lights when they are turned off. Here are some common causes:

Your LED Light Storing Electric Energy

LED lights can inadvertently store energy from low-level current. This stored electricity is sufficient to make them glow even when the switch is off. The source of the electric current could be faulty or earth wiring. LED lights store this energy in two places: the LED driver and the phosphor layer.

Phosphor Layer

The phosphor layer, also known as phosphor coating or luminescent layer, is a coating found in LEDs. It absorbs blue wavelength light and produces visible white light. However, the phosphor layer naturally absorbs energy, which is enough to light up the LEDs weakly when the switch is off. The afterglow effect can last from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the semiconductor material of the phosphor coating.

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Electricity Circuit or LED Driver

LED luminaires have LED drivers, which are electronic circuits that power the LEDs. Sometimes, the LED driver can store energy accidentally, causing the lights to glow even when they are off. Capacitors and inductors in the LED driver might still be active even if the input voltage is off. It takes a few minutes for the stored energy to discharge and for the LEDs to stop glowing.

Switch Board with Indicator Lights

If your socket board has a motion sensor or an indicator light, it will need some electricity to stay on standby. Wiring issues can result in the LED light drawing power from the socket board, causing it to remain dim even when you don't switch it on.

Poor Electrical Installation

Sometimes, poor electrical installation can be the culprit behind glowing LED lights when the switch is off. Incorrectly connected light switches or dimmers, as well as poor wire routing, can cause this issue. Conventional bulbs typically do not light up with such low electric energy, so if the problem is specific to LEDs, it's likely an electrical installation issue.

Old Dimmer Switch

Traditional electronic dimmer switches may not be compatible with LED lights. These dimmers require a minimum load to function properly. If the LED lights do not meet the minimum load requirement, the dimmer fails to turn off its output voltage, resulting in a weak glow..

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High Resistance

LED lights have a higher resistance compared to incandescent bulbs or halogen lamps due to their integrated power supply unit. Some fancy switch lights with built-in night lights can cause the LED driver to experience a minor voltage drop, leading to a dim glow even when the switch is off.

What Can We Do to Stop LED Lights from Gleaming When Switched Off?

Now that we understand the reasons behind LED lights glowing when turned off, let's explore some possible solutions:

Try Replacing LED Light

If you're experiencing this issue with a specific LED light, consider replacing it with a high-quality one from a trusted brand. While this may not solve the underlying problem, it can help turn off the glow.

Check the Earth or Neutral Wire

Call an experienced electrician to check if there's a problem with the neutral wire. Incorrectly linked or high-resistance wires can cause the LEDs to glow. Proper earthing of the wire and addressing any electromagnetic induction can resolve this issue.

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Try Installing a Bypass Capacitor

For LED lights on walls or ceilings, installing a bypass capacitor can reduce the resulting voltage caused by conductors carrying voltage to nearby conductors. This can help eliminate the glow when the switch is off.

Update Your Dimmer

If the issue lies with the dimmer, upgrade it to one that is compatible with LED lights. Old dimmers designed for halogen lamps may not work correctly with modern LEDs. Upgrading the dimmer will ensure that the LEDs no longer glow when turned off.

Get a Neon Detector

If you suspect residual current is responsible for the glowing of your LED lights, you can purchase a neon detector. Place it close to the fitting of the neutral or earth wire. If the problem is solely caused by residual current, only the neon detector will light up when you switch off the light.

In conclusion, the glowing of LED lights when the switch is off is not a major issue, but it can be bothersome. By following the solutions mentioned above and purchasing LED products from reputable brands, you can resolve this problem and enjoy the benefits of energy-efficient lighting.

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