Auto top off makes led flash?

ontop27 · Jul 31, 2014

I have an autotopoff .com unit. Aqualifter pump connect to that which is on a surge protector. My diy rapid LEDs are on a separate outlet plugged into my reef keeper. It doesn't happen every time but some times my LEDs turn on for a brief second when the top off kicks on..any ideas??

SCMatt · Jul 31, 2014

Funny you should say that, because I may be experiencing sort of the same thing. My DIY LEDs blink sometimes, and I haven't found the source of it yet. Will be watching this.

ontop27 · Jul 31, 2014

Yea I can tell easily because there is a click when the top off comes on and off then the Leda blink. But its not 100% of the time

evolved · Jul 31, 2014

It is likely an EMF induction phenomena. I'm guessing the relay on the ATO is inducing a current into the lights. Try moving the ATO relay (the black box in the cord) as far away from the LED ballets/wires as possible.

ontop27 · Jul 31, 2014

Hmm.. I'll try that thanks evolved

reif119 · Aug 1, 2014

Yes some led's can not be run with timers for this exact reason. The lights are designed to be constantly plugged it and only turned on and off by the switch on the light

leocom2000 · Aug 1, 2014

Poor design. The lights are not EMI protected.

ontop27 · Aug 1, 2014

reif119 said:
Yes some led's can not be run with timers for this exact reason. The lights are designed to be constantly plugged it and only turned on and off by the switch on the light

No switch on these, they have a dimmer but its pretty much plugged in or not plugged in.

pickupman66 · Aug 1, 2014

do you have either plugged into the Triac outlets on your PC4? (outlets 2 and 3)? if so, try using both on the Mechanical outlets (1 and 4) and see if this makes any difference. FWIW, i use an Aqualifter pump on my RKE and have it plugged directly in to the mechanical port and I dont have these issues. come to think of it, I never had then when I had my DIY leds either.