Lights flickering :(

-KoMoD0- · 18th November 2006, 12:54 AM

We have some halogen down lights in a room and they seem to be flickering very fast (50hz) and it is very very annoying. I don't think they have a transformer btw as it is a fitting in which 4 globes 'screw' into. It has a dimmer switch but that is broken.

Any idea what is broken and how much to have it fixed?

Dr feelgood · 18th November 2006, 7:38 AM

what style globes are they?

in some cases if your lights combined power rating (eg 4 100watt globes = 400 watts) is higher than the power rating of the dimmer, then that will cause them to flicker. most demestic dimmers are only rated at 350Watts. If this is the problem then the cost of repair will be four lower wattage globes.

The human I will not percieve light flicker above 25Hz (generally speaking) so I don't think it is 50Hz.

-KoMoD0- · 18th November 2006, 10:39 AM

Well the fitting takes 4 but it loves to blow globes so there is only 2 in there atm

GooSE · 18th November 2006, 11:01 AM

Halogen down lights are usually DC right? Maybe the transformer is busted.

-KoMoD0- · 18th November 2006, 11:15 AM

They don't have transformers i think

TERRA Operative · 18th November 2006, 11:46 AM

The average halogen downlight runs at 12VAC or 240VAC and is rated at 50W. The flickering could be caused by the dimmer (I replaced one just last weeK). If they are all flickering together, then it's something to do with the supply, either the dimmer or wiring.
If they are 12VAC globes, the transformer could be the problem, but they generally just stop working all together (Replaced one just yesterday too).
If it is a fitting with 4 downlights in a row on a rod etc. it's most probably the 240V globes (Twist 1/4 turn to insert them?). That leaves either a loose terminal in the wiring or a stuffed dimmer.

I'd say get the dimmer replaced, that flickering is probably what's helping to kill your globes.

-KoMoD0- · 18th November 2006, 3:00 PM

yea in a strip and they push screw in sorta

great, should be cheap to fix

18th November 2006, 12:54 AM	#1
-KoMoD0- Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Western Sydney Posts: 7,743	Lights flickering :( We have some halogen down lights in a room and they seem to be flickering very fast (50hz) and it is very very annoying. I don't think they have a transformer btw as it is a fitting in which 4 globes 'screw' into. It has a dimmer switch but that is broken. Any idea what is broken and how much to have it fixed?

18th November 2006, 7:38 AM	#2
Dr feelgood Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mornington peninsula Posts: 1,739	what style globes are they? in some cases if your lights combined power rating (eg 4 100watt globes = 400 watts) is higher than the power rating of the dimmer, then that will cause them to flicker. most demestic dimmers are only rated at 350Watts. If this is the problem then the cost of repair will be four lower wattage globes. The human I will not percieve light flicker above 25Hz (generally speaking) so I don't think it is 50Hz. __________________ There's always someone out there who will make me feel wiser and less arogant than I may actually be. I'd Rather Be A BASS Player Club Member #04 "It is better to sleep on what you plan to do than to be kept awake by what you've done." Rowland Croucher - Living Without Regrets

18th November 2006, 11:46 AM	#6
TERRA Operative Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Niraikanai Posts: 6,552	The average halogen downlight runs at 12VAC or 240VAC and is rated at 50W. The flickering could be caused by the dimmer (I replaced one just last weeK). If they are all flickering together, then it's something to do with the supply, either the dimmer or wiring. If they are 12VAC globes, the transformer could be the problem, but they generally just stop working all together (Replaced one just yesterday too). If it is a fitting with 4 downlights in a row on a rod etc. it's most probably the 240V globes (Twist 1/4 turn to insert them?). That leaves either a loose terminal in the wiring or a stuffed dimmer. I'd say get the dimmer replaced, that flickering is probably what's helping to kill your globes. __________________ I DO NOT support internet filtering!!! Tereno Empireo Rapidmova Reakcii Armeo Check out my Youtube channel!

18th November 2006, 10:39 AM	#3
-KoMoD0- Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Western Sydney Posts: 7,743	Well the fitting takes 4 but it loves to blow globes so there is only 2 in there atm

18th November 2006, 11:01 AM	#4
GooSE Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Sydney Posts: 6,426	Halogen down lights are usually DC right? Maybe the transformer is busted.

18th November 2006, 11:15 AM	#5
-KoMoD0- Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Western Sydney Posts: 7,743	They don't have transformers i think

18th November 2006, 3:00 PM	#7
-KoMoD0- Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Western Sydney Posts: 7,743	yea in a strip and they push screw in sorta great, should be cheap to fix