60v on light connector when switched OFF

[jockskinner]

Hi There,
I have 2 fleuro lights in my kitchen and I have to replace one or the other every few months. I have just dismantled the latest casualty and I measured the voltage across the two wires with the switch in the off position and it looks like there is 60 volts there. This light was 2 switches...one on the entrance to the kitchen and one at the exit to the kitchen.The other light has only 1 switch at the entrance to the kitchen. The lower level off the house has some quite strange wiring seemingly. Lower hall 2 switches, one either end and 3 lights. Toilet..1 switch...one light and extracror fan. Bedroom ...1 switch...4 lights.
So can anyone help me to find where the 60 volts is coming from.

 

[bernardgreen]

It is from the capacitive coupling between the live and switched live wires in the cables to the switches. It is nothing to worry about as the capacitive couplling can only pass a very small and harmless amount of power, not even even to appear as 230 volts on a multi-meter.

Only problem is some energy saving lamps will store up this trinkle of power until they have enough energy to make the lamp flash once every few seconds when the switch is OFF

 

[jockskinner]

Thanks for the reply, I was kinda worried as it flashed as I dismantled it. I had it switched it off at one switch but not at the other switch. So when I switched it off at the other switch...it still measured 60volts.
Thanks again,
Jock.

 

[bernardgreen]

Thanks for the reply, I was kinda worried as it flashed as I dismantled it. I had it switched it off at one switch but not at the other switch.

You need to switch OFF the MCB as even with the light switch off as in most installations there will be permanently live wires in the ceiling connections.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Darwin was right!

 

[flameport]

I have 2 fleuro lights in my kitchen and I have to replace one or the other every few months.

Something very wrong there - fluorescent lighting should last for years.

 

[Steve]

You are changing the tubes and starters too, yes?

 

[jockskinner]

When they fail, I remove the whole unit and take it back and get a replacement. I havent seen any starters in these as they are for domestic use. Fluorescent lights use to last for years but unfortunately,like most electrical appliences don't seem to last very long at all.
Cheers.