Why Do LED Bulbs Glow When Turned Off?

LED bulbs have become quite common these days (here's what LED stands for), and you'll find them in street lights, factories, offices, and even in your home. One peculiar thing you may have noticed about LED bulbs is that they tend to glow for a while when you turn them off. That raises a question: why does this happen, and should you be worried about it? 

You can save money switching to LED light bulbs, because they're more efficient, last much longer, and don't generate much heat, all because of how they work. They use just a little current, which passes through a microchip and illuminates a tiny diode. But when you turn off the LED bulb, there's still some amount of current in the circuit. Since LEDs require so little power to function, even that tiny current can cause the light to glow for a few seconds. This phenomenon is also likely to occur if you're using pulse width modulation control or a light dimmer switch to control how much electricity you're using. 

Generally, this isn't a cause for concern, as the glow only lasts for a brief period. However, if you also notice buzzing sounds or other electrical problems, you should investigate further or have an electrician take a look.

LED bulbs also have an LED driver, which is responsible for regulating the flow of electricity to the bulb. If the LED driver is faulty or you're using a low-quality LED bulb, a small amount of electrical current may leak and cause the bulb to glow for longer than expected. In such cases, your best option is to replace the bulb with one from a reliable lighting brand. 

A poor-quality LED bulb isn't the only thing that can cause the glow. If you're using switches with motion sensors or timers, the LED bulb may draw power from their circuits and emit a faint glow. Additionally, issues with the electrical wiring in your home or office, such as a small leakage that passes through the circuit even when the switch is turned off, can also lead to this issue. Similarly, looping problems or induction from nearby cables may be responsible for the glow. In such cases, your best option is to consult a professional electrician who can inspect and fix any wiring issues.