Pendant light only works with energy saving bulb.. Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[lukemartyn78]

Hi,

I've just had a new ceiling pendant fitted with a dimmer switch. For some reason the light doesn't seem to work with a standard bulb (bayonet fitting) but when I put in a energy saving bulb it does light up (although flickering as its on a dimmer) so the pendant is obviously wired OK?

Any ideas as to what the problem may be? (The standard bulbs I've tried are from other working lights so are not the problem).

Thanks

[ericmark]

Because energy saving bulbs use less power if wired in series instead of parallel they may still work. Getting the neutral and switch wires mixed up would result in series instead of parallel wiring.
Also any fault with the dimmer switch could also mean the lower power bulbs only will work.
Step one replace dimmer with standard switch.
Step two with proper test gear (not a neon screwdriver) test connections to light.