Need a resistor to keep LED lights from staying on........

[Jgdavis14]

Some time back I saw a post regarding a lamplinc or appliancelinc with very low voltage lights (like a single string of LED Christmas lights) that still stayed dimly lit even when they were "off".   There was a comment that adding a resistor to a multi plug adapter would bring the amount of wattage up high enough to eliminate the issue.  (Hope that isn't too confusing  )   Does anyone know what size of resistor would work? Wattage/ohm etc.

[Brian H]

Small incandescent light bulb will also work.

33000 {33K} resistor should be fine. The wattage at the 120 volts when On is .43 watts. So a .5 Watt would work. I prefer a safety margin and say a 1 watt is best. Though I know many users with the .5 watt one and no issues.

 

On the X10 forums. We frequently use 33K to 47K values.

 

I tried a single 35 LED light string, Hardware 4.1 2456S3 ApplianceLinc and a 56K  resistor. It kept the LEDs Off.

[larryllix]

I have 110 feet in one long string, and a Christmas tree that glows slightly when off also.

I just ignore it as it is not visible during daylight anyway.

 

For area illumination bulbs, like hall lights, this is more of a problem, while trying to sleep, or they flicker. This can ruin CFL ballasts also.

[Brian H]

I had a chance to do a few tests.
35 LED String.
2456S3 Hardware 4.1 and 1.3 Both a 56K and 33K worked.
2856D2B Hardware 4.3 Both a 56K and 33K worked.
2457D2R Hardware R3.4 Both a 56K and 33k worked.
So the choice of resistor is not overly critical.

[Techman]

You could also use the ON/OFF module which has a relay instead of a triac. This would guarantee you an off regardless on the attached load.

[Brian H]

If the Dual band On Off module still has local control sensing or an RC snubber across the relay contacts. They may glow.

I should find out next Wednesday when my Dual Band On Off modules arrive.

 

All of my 2456S3 ApplianceLincs will cause low wattage LEDs to glow. The hardware 4.? ones also have a RC snubber across the relays contacts. That put a small current on the output when off.

[Techman]

If the Dual band On Off module still has local control sensing or an RC snubber across the relay contacts. They may glow.

I should find out next Wednesday when my Dual Band On Off modules arrive.

 

All of my 2456S3 ApplianceLincs will cause low wattage LEDs to glow. The hardware 4.? ones also have a RC snubber across the relays contacts. That put a small current on the output when off.

The dual band ON/OFF module does not have a sensing circuit.. I got rid off all my appliance modules (now discontinued) and replaced them with the ON/OFF modules

[shannong]

I'm also in the process of replacing my old appliance modules with the new dual-band ON/OFF modules. These won't exhibit the issues you're having with glowing/blinking lights when "off".

[Scottmichaelj]

I just went through the same thing recently. The Lamplincs have this issue when off but the ON/OFF module does not. I was able to just a small power charger for an old cell phone to stop this from happening.

[Jgdavis14]

Thanks all.   I found the resistor that I needed and all is working well.   I agree that the best solution is the ON/OFF module but that does get expensive when you have a lot of the older Insteon products.   I also wish that the ON/OFF module gave you pass through socket so you don't loose that availability.

[Brian H]

Glad the resistor helped.

[k5map]

I have the same situation with the LED string not going 100% dark... I also understand the need to add a resistor... I'm not clear where you add the resistor.  Do you place it across the plug on the lights?

[paulbates]

I plugged a spare phone charger in with the load of my led Christmas tree. That was the end of it of the glow.

 

Paul

[Brian H]

You can try a power tap so you can plug both the LED lights and a plug with the resistor in it. On the output of the module.

As pointed out other loads like an old phone charger or a 4 watt incandescent night light bulb also works.

If the LED lights have a plug with a outlet on the back. So another LED string could be added. The plug with the resistor could be used there. As long as it is not exposed to the elements.