Flashing bulbs when switch is off

[DIYm1]

Hi
Situation is: new house which we are still getting used to.

Bulb on first floor landing is controlled by 2 switches, one on first floor and one on ground floor, near the entrance.

It used to be 100W, but I switched to energy saving bulbs - first tried 75 W then 60 W. But I thought it was still too bright for our needs, and so, replaced the 60W bulb with a 40W energy saving one. This is when I note that even when the switch is off, it gives out regular flashes/glows.

Is this normal and safe? Is the electric circuit dodgy in any way, I wonder?
I have replaced it with the 60W bulb anyhow until I figure out whether we need to have the whole electrioc circuit checked out.

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

This is not unusual with CFL (energy saving) lamps. A small trace current is induced within the wire for the switch drop (worse if it is a long drop, as wil be the case on an upstairs/downstairs circuit) which the lamp's electronic circuitry accumulates until it is enough to make a small flash.

If you have another load on the circuit (e.g. a filament lamp on the landing) it will drain this tiny current.

I have found that some brands of CFL don't seem to do it, but not sure which. I must try to have a look. Probably either GE or Tesco cheapo.

 

[sm1thson]

theres more discussion on this matter here -might be an interesting read (or maybe not!)

 

[DIYm1]

Thanks guys!!
Seems that this is normal, so will switch back to the 40W ES bulb as long as the flashing does not pose a fire hazard...?.
Need to do our best for the planet after all...