I have gotten several emails over the last few years about problems with various light bulbs in the outdoor light fixtures controlled by the 911 flasher switch. Everything works fine with incandescent bulbs, but when residents try to be environmentally sound by using florescent (CFL) or light emitting diode (LED) lights they see one of several problems. CFL bulbs either don’t work at all or they burn out quickly, usually in a month. LED bulbs flicker or light up when the switch is off.
I can’t tell you what causes these problems, but I can tell you my experience with my flasher switch with various bulbs. I have had CFL bulbs in my outdoor lights for several years now. They work fine in both 100% on and in the flashing mode. I then tried a 60w LED bulb in one fixture. It worked fine in both 100% and in the flashing mode. I have the original (16-year-old) Leviton switch. I checked with several people but could not find one with the new replacement flasher switch.
I know that Larry Bernstein sees many problems in Sun City homes through his business, Larry’s Home Maintenance. I asked him if he has seen this problem. One of his customers showed him a new light that dimly stayed on when the switch was off. He asked if it was an inexpensive bulb and was told that it was.
The flasher switch has a capacitor that holds a small charge. This is what makes the lights flash. This small charge will make most LED bulbs flicker or light up when the switch is off. I can’t tell you what bulbs work with what flasher switch. I believe either flasher switch will work properly with incandescent bulbs. If you want to use CFL or LED bulbs you are going to have to test them to see if they are on 100% and don’t flicker when the switch is on, and they flash when the switch is in the flash mode. You also need to check to see if the bulbs burn dimly when the switch is off. I will continue to collect information on what combination works and what combinations cause problems, and report on my findings in a future column. The original flasher switch was made by Leviton, but they no longer make that switch. There is a replacement switch made by Pass & Seymour, model TM8LOCATORW, the last letter indicating switch color.
The switch is available from:
Westside Electric Supply, Inc.
1530 N. LaFox St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-468-1000
Question: We have noticed in the 13 years we have lived here that most of the homes, including our own, have mold or mildew on the vinyl siding. We had ours power washed to get it off but we would like to know what it is, where it is coming from and why it is coming so we can prevent it? We have never had this on any of our 5 homes we have had over our lifetime, so if you could help us, along with a most Sun City residents, it would be appreciated.
Answer: The growth on your siding is mold and/or algae. It grows best on the north side of the house because that side is away from the sun. It is worse in years with a lot of rain.
There is a product that will solve this problem easily. It is a product called Wet and Forget. It removes moss, mold, mildew and algae stains gently over time from roofs, concrete, brick, siding, tennis courts, awnings, boat sails and wood decks without scrubbing or pressure washing.
To use the product, dilute 1 part Wet & Forget to 5 parts water. Apply it with a garden sprayer. You should apply Wet & Forget to a dry surface in order to get the best penetration. Total saturation of the surface with Wet & Forget is essential to obtain good results with the moss, mold, mildew or algae stains. It’s best applied on a cool dry day with no rain for four to five hours after application. Morning or evening is best. This will ensure that the surface being treated stays wet for an extended period.
After the first application use Wet & Forget as a maintenance tool. Re-apply at the first sign of re-growth. If an area is particularly bad, another application should be made approximately one month from the first application. Vertical surfaces that don’t have good exposure to the elements might require some assistance using either a water hose or a light brushing.
Wet & Forget’s gentle cleaning action takes time but won’t damage any exterior surface. Just apply Wet & Forget to any exterior surface and forget about it. Mother Nature does the rest. The wind and rain gently clean the surface.
With a pH of 8, Wet & Forget is close to neutral. Most moss, mold, mildew and algae removal products are either highly acidic (pH 1) like vinegar or highly caustic (pH 12) like bleach. Caustic or acidic products can damage the surface being cleaned. Wet & Forget is very gentle and safe to apply to any outdoor surface. Results can be seen within days for those less contaminated areas and over several months for more distressed areas.
Wet & Forget has been used residentially and commercially for over 30 years in New Zealand and Australia. It has only been available in the United States since 2005. It has been used successfully on big jobs like the building exteriors at Sea World in Florida. Two people have reported excellent results on houses in Sun City here in Huntley. It can be purchased at Ace Hardware.
This product may be the answer to those ugly stains on your siding.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.
