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Lamp switch

Posted by Thomas Gravier, on
Hi, I would like to know wether it is important or not - regarding energy consumption- to have a bipolar switch for a lamp ? I'm eco friendly and would like to know if there's a difference. I'm talking about a lamp switch that I would like to install on a homemade lamp, with an e27 or e14 socket and an edison vintage bulb.
Cornelius Cretu

Cornelius Cretu

Hi Thomas, It will make no difference regarding the energy consumption if you use a monopolar or a bipolar switch for a lamp. The bipolar switch will cut off both live conductors (line and neutral) so you'll feel safer knowing that both conductors are switched off. Many appliances must use bipolar switches(fused connection units) to make sure that in case of reversed polarity both of the live conductors are switched off. Most of the switches only switch off the Line conductor because in most cases the feed is run to the light fitting in the ceiling. In new builds, the feed is taken in the switches but the neutrals are not connected in the switches but are put together in a connector block. To be on the safe side use a double pole switch. Regards,
Tom Quirk

Tom Quirk

Hi thomas Thanks for being more specific With conventional lighting using a bipolar transistor in my opinion isnt more efficient in Fact i would veer more to less efficient due to when the transistor is at full saturation, ie fully on it still has some resistance which still equates to loss of efficiency As an eco friendly individual why are you using a retro lamp.....there are many substitutes out there which can produce the same light and which are much more efficient...unless its purely an aesthetic look of the lamp you are going for Hope this helps

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