posted on Dec, 31 2017 @ 10:59 PM
a reply to:
DontTreadOnMe
Touch lamps use the capacitative change when a large conductor like a human body touches one of the terminals on a large value internal capacitor.
Things like general humidity, the value of the capacitor and the conductivity of the skin all affect the change.
Generally, as the touch lamp circuit ages, the value of most capacitors will reduce over time.
This means that the effect of other things in the circuit will change the likelihood that it will 'trigger' properly.
Also, different types of light globe have different electrical properties. Most touch lamps require lower wattage incandescent light globes to work
properly.
Replacing the capacitor (which probably looks like a reasonably large cylinder) should fix the problem. Try and get a replacement the exact same
nominal value.
Safety stuff !!!! - you must read :>
Please note that the capacitor is probably an electrolytic type which has a positive and a negative terminal. You MUST wire the new capacitor in the
right way around, so take extra special care noting the orientation of the original. Also, capacitors store up charge. Even unplugged from the mains
it may still give you a jolt, so it is wise to ensure it is discharged by using a large resistor across its terminals for a while. Don't direct short
it, like with a screwdriver, because that's unsafe, too.
edit on 31/12/2017 by chr0naut because: (no reason given)