We have a ceiling fan light. One swith controls the fan, the other the light. When I turn on the light switch, there is a noticable delay (like a full second) before the light comes on. Is it a wiring issue? I notice no blinking, no other problems, just the delay.
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7is it a low energy bulb (or normal fluorescent light)? some have a delay on start up– ratchet freakFeb 4, 2012 at 19:50
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1No, regular small fan light bulbs (incandescent)– LLAFeb 5, 2012 at 0:34
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2Is it possibly not a standard hardwired switch? Some fans are controlled by radio remotes, and the receiving electronics could have a delay. If the switches are identical to your other typical light switches, this probably isn't it.– Shimon RuraFeb 5, 2012 at 0:59
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2Sounds like you have lazy electrons. Or possibly a bad switch.– Tester101Feb 5, 2012 at 3:56
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1Of course, the lazy electrons is possible...it is in a teenager's room after all....– LLAFeb 5, 2012 at 5:32
5 Answers
This is one of those problems that you just have to work out systematically, don't be swayed by logic.
- If there is only one bulb change it.
- Check the wiring at the light and switch - see that the connections are tight.
- Change the switch.
- Try wiring a test lamp to the fixture.
- Call an electrician. You may have serious wiring issues.
Also don't rule out the fan. I've installed one fan that had a rather large capacitor on the light circuit. Not sure of the reason of the capacitor but that light had a small delay when turned on.
I had this problem with an dimmer switch designed for use with LED and CF bulbs. I was using incandescent bulbs. I returned the dimmer switch to home depot and got a regular "for incandescent only" dimmer switch and the problem went away.
I had the same issue with a combination switch with a Hunter fan. My delay for the light to come on was several minutes and then sometimes the light would flash like a strobe light. After reading comments from this site I decided to purchase another Hunter fan and see what happens. I connected the fan and light. It now comes on instantly without any delay. I have another fan/light combo in another room. The delay is only a couple of seconds but no other problem. My suggestion is to purchase a new light/fan if you are having the same problems that I was. Not sure if it is safe to keep using it like mine was operating. Apparently there was some regulation about delays that I have read in some other sites.