Illuminated Light Switch Flickering / Pulsating

Question

I have a 3-way light switch that I just replaced with a new illuminated one (glows when off). The light inside the switch is pulsating, like a heartbeat! I thought it was maybe a defective switch and changed it again with another new illuminated one, but still the same flickering. So it's definitely not the switch. What else would it be?
Additional context, this is part of a 4-way circuit in my hallway, including two 3-way switches and one 4-way switch. The lights turn on/off correctly, despite the flickering illuminated switch. And it's just one switch. I didn't change any of the wiring or terminal connections - just swapped old light switches for new ones.

Ed Beal · Answer

What model of switch? Are the lamps incandescent?
My answer with the info provided:
Pulsating may mean a switch designed for incandescent lamps where ballasts or drivers used with CFL’s or LED’s. These lights don’t have the leakage path that an incandescent lamp has.  this would be my guess with the info provided. In some cases older LED’s the switch lamp can cause your lights themselves to strobe like a heartbeat. Look up strobing LED and you will probably find similar issues like you have.

Illuminated Light Switch Flickering / Pulsating

One Answer

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question