Why CFL Lamps Flicker in Motion Lights
|
Why do my CFL lights flicker when controlled by a motion sensor? How to Prevent Security and Motions Lights from Flickering. |
Security Light
[ad#block]Electrical Question: Why do my CFL lights flicker when controlled by a motion sensor switch when it is in the auto mode?
I changed the lights back to incandescent and everything seems to work properly.
This electrical question came from: Bob in Canada.
Additional Comments: Great website
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bob.
How to Prevent Security Lights from Flickering
Problems With CFL Lamps in Motion Sensor Fixtures
- Some CFL lamps will not work with motion sensor light fixtures, and because of the high number of times the light fixture may turn on and off it will shorten the life of a fluorescent lamps anyway.
- It is best to use incandescent lamps with motion sensor light fixtures.
More about Motion Detector Light Fixtures
Installing Motion Detector and Security Light Fixtures
Installing motion detector lighting fixtures provide security and energy savings and they can easily replace an existing exterior wall fixture.
Planning and Installing Home Lighting
Home lighting articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about Electrical and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Adding an Outside Light for a Spa or Hot Tub | Solving Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems |
I didn’t know this, thanks!
Is there a way to tell which CFL lamps will work and which won’t?
Great Question about CFL Lamps and Motion Lights,
With all the advances in lighting that is taking place, I am seeing great options with various LED lights, and many of these can be dimmed down to about 20 % which should be fine for most applications. LED lights start instantly and do not seem to be affected by cold temperatures like some fluorescent type lamps.
It is exciting to see the advances in energy alternatives and the electrical devices that we commonly use, such as lighting. Perhaps one day we will see fluorescent and many other types of lights that will be phased out only to be replaced by LED lighting.
I look forward to the day when we will all have a self-sustaining electric home and vehicles, and I believe that time is fast approaching!
Dave
My security light also flickers, and I have replaced both bulbs with the exact bulbs I have used in it for the last 1-2 years. Even with the brand new bulbs the red light blinks on when it detects motion but both lights flicker. What else can I do?
Hi Don,
Sometimes a component inside the motion light may go bad, especially if the motion module gets unusually wet. However before replacing the light fixture I would double check the lamps to be sure they are either incandescent, LED, or halogen type that are equivalent or less in watt output as the original lamps. When changing out the lamps make sure there are no obstructions or corrosion inside the lamp holder base which could interfere with the contact with the lamps.
Let us know what you discover,
Dave