Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: bohl1076, Location: southern california
Asked on: Monday, April 4, 2011 at 8:07 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:45 am EDT
Question: i installed a bug eye emergency light today and when i turned the circuit back on the light came on! so i turned it off again and of course it stayed on. there are no emer. circuits with it just a general lighting and battery back up, i checked the wiring everything was good, any ideas? it was towards the end of the day so i had to wrap it up. interested to see if its still on when i go back tomorrow, but any ideas on why this happened would be appreciated.thanks, john
Possible Causes
Miswiring
Verify that the emergency light is wired correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Defective Light Fixture
The emergency light fixture itself may be malfunctioning, causing it to stay on even when the power supply is off.
Battery Issue
The battery backup in the emergency light may be faulty or overcharged, leading to the light staying on.
Short Circuit
A short circuit in the wiring or within the emergency light fixture could cause power to flow to the light continuously.
Switch Problem
The switch controlling the emergency light may be malfunctioning, allowing power to pass through even when it's in the "off" position.
Capacitors
Electrical capacitors in the emergency light may be storing charge and releasing it after the power is shut off, causing the light to remain on.
Residual Magnetism
If the emergency light uses fluorescent or HID lamps, residual magnetism in the ballasts or lamps could keep them illuminated even after the power supply is disconnected.
Troubleshooting Steps
Check Wiring Again
Double-check all wire connections, ensuring that they are secure and match the correct terminals.
Isolate the Emergency Light
Disconnect the emergency light from the power supply and remove any batteries or backup power sources. Verify that the light turns off.
Test the Emergency Light
Connect the emergency light to a separate power source and observe its behavior. If it remains on even with no backup power, it may be defective.
Check the Battery
Inspect the battery and replace it if it shows signs of damage or swelling. Test the new battery to see if it resolves the issue.
Examine the Switch
Visually inspect the switch for any damage or loose connections. If necessary, replace the switch.
Unload Capacitors
If capacitors are suspected, connect a resistor across their terminals to discharge any stored energy.
Demagnetize Lamps
For fluorescent or HID lamps, disconnect the emergency light and allow it to cool down. Then, slowly wave a strong magnet over the lamps to remove any residual magnetism.*
Call an Electrician: If none of the above troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, consult a qualified electrician for further diagnosis and repair. Flag for review