Faulty Wiring or Switch/Outdoor Light

[JustInTime2021]

Recently moved in and noticed the outdoor light switch wasn't working, found the bulb was disconnected and when I connected it the outside light will stay on faintly. If the switch is turned on the light will be on full.

Trying to work out whether I need to replace the switch or if it's a wiring fault etc.

Thanks !

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Recently moved in and noticed the outdoor light switch wasn't working, found the bulb was disconnected and when I connected it the outside light will stay on faintly. If the switch is turned on the light will be on full.

I would suspect, that switch gadget, needs no neutral, that it charges by passing a small current through the lamp. That small current, is enough to light the lamp dimly, so it is normal.

To confirm it, turn the power of, disconnect the switch and make the removed wire safe, then turn power back on. If light is no longer dim, it is confirmed,

 

[JustInTime2021]

Thanks.

Could I replace with a 10AX 2-Gang 2-Way 10AX Light Switch and would that stop the lamp being on continuously. The existing switch covers an indoor light and an outdoor light.

 

[Taylortwocities]

That switch thingy is now obsolete. The reason is that, for it to work, it needs a decent load ie a standard tungsten light bulb. You cant get them any more and the switch doesnt work with LEDs,

If you have an old-school bulb of 40watts or more then put it in and it may work. Or, follow @JustInTime2021 suggestion with a standard light switch. Let us know how it goes.

 

[AndyPRK]

I guess you could just leave it as it is, now you understand its expected behaviour.

Annoyingly mine flashes the LEDs (like a disco strobe), so I can't do this.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

That switch thingy is now obsolete. The reason is that, for it to work, it needs a decent load ie a standard tungsten light bulb. You cant get them any more and the switch doesnt work with LEDs,

I thought you could buy plug in adaptors, to fix that problem, a sort of bypass for the LED, to increase the current?

 

[Taylortwocities]

I thought you could buy plug in adaptors, to fix that problem, a sort of bypass for the LED, to increase the current?

Oh yes, fabulous. All that drive to very low energy lamps and then you find that you have to hang a dirty great load across them to make them work!

 

[AndyPRK]

I thought you could buy plug in adaptors, to fix that problem, a sort of bypass for the LED, to increase the current?

May as well let the light glow dim as long as it lasts.

cheaper for light on time

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Oh yes, fabulous. All that drive to very low energy lamps and then you find that you have to hang a dirty great load across them to make them work!

I cannot see them wasting that much current, have you measured one?

 

[AndyPRK]

Well it’s likely to use more than that LED lamp when the light is requested on.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Well it’s likely to use more than that LED lamp when the light is requested on.

No reason why it should, or would need to.