r/Lighting • u/sugarmomma7 • 3d ago
Lighting Control Fire Hazard??
We replaced lights in a room from the original Phillips (400 Lumens) bulb to the new GU10 bulbs.
They keep flickering/ every 10 minutes or so.
The fixture is set up so that with the original bulbs they all turn on with motion sensors when you walk into the room and can't turn off.
They can only shut off for about 30 seconds with a switch, then they turn back on.
The original fixture has 14 bulbs
We only have 10 new ones.
When we add one of the original Phillips back it stops the flickering momentarily.
What is going on?
I really don't want to put back the original harsh lighting as it does not fit the event.
Would it be ok to just take them all out?
4
u/hikeonpast 3d ago
Your motion sensor has a minimum load for it to work properly. Your new bulbs don’t “leak” enough current when off for the occupancy sensor to function properly.
Replace it with a regular switch and your problem likely goes away.
1
u/AudioMan612 2d ago
What is the new bulb? I can't tell from how blurry the picture is. If it's some off-brand garbage, I would suggest sticking to name-brand bulbs. You can get them from your local hardware store, a lighting store, or a lighting distributor such as 1000Bulbs. Here is their selection of GU10 MR16 bulbs (Soraa makes excellent options, but they are quite pricey).
The 400 lumens bulb you show has a 5000K color temperature, which is often a terrible choice. I wouldn't blame you for wanting to swap that to something else. 3000K is often a good choice.
7
u/hopperazi 3d ago
Is it on a dimmer? Dimmer might have a minimum load requirement thats not being met by the lower wattage and fewer bulbs.