How long should Lytworx festoon lights take for full brightness?

gleefully

Hi all,

I installed two sets of LYTWORX Double Filament LED Festoon Lights a few weeks ago (connected the 25 pack to the 10 pack). They worked fine initially, but I’ve noticed a when I turn them on now, they start dim and take around 5-10 minutes to build up to full brightness. This didn't happen when I first installed it, it turned onto max brightness fine. I’ve double-checked the remote isn’t stuck on a lower brightness setting (mine has 4 brightness levels) but even when it’s set to max, it starts dim and climbs slowly. Is this normal, or a sign something’s wrong?

Things I've tried

• Firmly reseated the connector between the power board and the light strand
• Confirmed brightness setting on the remote is at max, not on a dimmer setting
• No visible damage, cracks, or moisture in the connectors or bulb sockets that I can see (the lights are not under cover but the power board/connector are)
• Tried multiple power sockets - both work, but the lights start dim for both

Trying to figure out if this is just how they behave (even though it didnt used to) or if it points to a fault before I take it back to Bunnings.

Pictures attached for reference - first pic is how it will start dim for 5-10mins, second pic is full brightness

Thanks in advance!

EricL

Hello @gleefully

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about festoon lighting.

Based on what you've described, that doesn't sound like normal behaviour, especially since the lights originally reached full brightness immediately after being switched on.

You've already ruled out the most common causes by checking the brightness setting, reseating the connectors, trying different power outlets and inspecting for visible moisture or damage. The fact that the issue happens regardless of which outlet you use also points away from a household power issue.

A few things could be causing the slow brightening:

• A fault developing in the plug pack or LED driver/power supply. As electronic components fail, they can sometimes take several minutes to deliver full output.
• Moisture ingress into the controller or another electrical component, even if there are no obvious signs externally.
• A fault within the first section of the light string, which can affect the entire set when two strings are connected together.
• Less commonly, a failing controller unit that isn't supplying full power immediately after switch-on.

As a quick test, if possible, disconnect the 10-light extension and run only the original 25-light set. Then swap and test the 10-light set on its own (if your power supply allows). If one section behaves normally and the other doesn't, you've narrowed down the fault. If both still start dim, the power supply or controller becomes the most likely culprit.

Given that the behaviour has changed since installation, I suggest returning the lights to the Bunnings store where you purchased them under warranty. Slow brightening over 5–10 minutes isn't expected for LED festoon lights and suggests a developing fault rather than normal operation. If they're still within the warranty period, it's worth taking them back with your receipt and explaining that they initially operated normally but now take several minutes to reach full brightness.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric