In the past, we have used recessed light (also known as can lights) to brighten our homes, get rid of shadows, and spread light uniformly around our rooms. Recently, LED lights have taken over due to color efficiency and versatility.
However, many people have reported something no so pleasant with their LED recessed lights – the fact that the lights glow even when turned off. So the question is, why does this happen? This is the question we shall answer in this article.
What Is An Led Recessed Light?
LED stands for light-emitting diode. It is defined as a semiconductor diode designed to glow when an electric voltage is applied to it. The term recessed means the LED is installed in a hollow opening, often in the ceiling.
When properly installed, it gives the appearance of light shining from a hole in the ceiling of the room where the installation was done. The recessed design focuses the light downward, which can appear as a narrow spotlight or a broad floodlight.
LED recessed lighting fixtures are well-known for their energy efficiency, return on investment and burn at a much cooler temperature. They are also versatile in terms of color and brightness. However, despite these advantages, some models seem to tend to glow when turned off.
Reasons Why LED Recessed Lights Glow
Unlike incandescent bulbs and halogen lamps, LEDs have way higher resistance on the count of the integrated power supply unit. So what happens is that the serial connection of the glow diodes tends to clamp the circuit in certain recessed LED lights when you switch the bulb off.
Two additional factors may increase the chances of your LED downlight glowing after your power is off.
Poor quality recessed LED light
The poor circuitry and other lighting fixture components can predispose the led to glow, flicker, or even buzz when switched off.
A problem with the circuitry of the LED recessed light
In this case, the light switch lets power residue come through even when you have turned off the controller operating the bulb.
Poor circuitry can result from many things. First, either the earth wire has extremely high resistance or the neutral wire is not correctly bonded to the earth.
Second, an electromagnetic induction may be the culprit. It may be responsible for picking small currents of electricity from cables coursing along with each other.
Why Should This Be A Problem?
Before answering this question, you must ask yourself why you were turning the light off in the first place. You do not need light on a sunny day. Besides, many people do not like to sleep with lights on.
The major problem here is the frustration and the annoyance associated with lights refusing to turn off completely when you need them to. This can interfere with the quality of sleep, especially for those who need total darkness to sleep.
Besides, it is electricity that makes the semiconductor diodes glow even when turned off. Furthermore, where the circuitry is the problem, electricity may be lost through leakage. This can increase your electricity bills.
Stopping Recessed Lights From Glowing When Turned Off
We now know where the problem is. The next question we need to ask is whether we can correct the problem. The answer is yes; we can. The following tips will prove helpful:
1. Install a New LED Bulb
Perhaps you have just replaced your incandescent bulb with LED recessed lighting fixture, and you’ve noticed the annoying glow. The LED you bought may be bogus in quality.
Go for a replacement from reputable companies such as LEPRO. The company offers some of the best LED home lighting fixtures in the market. Take your time and sample the available models before you settle on one to work with.
2. Ensure That Wiring In Your Home Is Perfect
If you are sure you installed the best quality LED recessed light, then trouble could be on your wiring. This is where you need the services of an electrician. They will be able to diagnose exactly where the problem could be.
If the cables were packed too close to one another or poor earth wire is responsible, the electrician will take the necessary steps to correct the problem and prevent it from occurring. Although you will have to pay the professional, it is a risk worth taking.
Wrapping It Up
If you have wondered why LED recessed lights glow when turned off, you now have your answer. It boils down to the quality of the bulb you purchased. Perhaps it was poor quality, or maybe it got damaged. Another possible cause could be a problem in the circuitry.
Regardless of what causes the problem, there is always a solution to it. First, ensure the LED recessed lighting fixture you buy is of good quality and from a reputable brand. Besides, you can always seek the services of an electrician to help you diagnose and fix the problem.
