How is it possible for lights to turn on if they're not plugged in?

Question

i have this light grid of flowers i got at ikea, and they're pretty and colorful and i hung them on my wall for decoration. to turn them on and off i plug them in the wall outlet and then unplug them. there is no switch, and i have a tree light also plugged into the same outlet. a few minutes ago about half the grid flickered on and off in a dimmer like fashion at least three times. freaked out, i got up and checked and the plug wasn't anywhere near the outlet. how could this have happened? anyone know?

Answer 1

I really don't think it will lite up if there is no power.  Impossible.   Unless it's a reflection from another source, like the outside reflect the sun into the lites.

Answer 2

If there is a lot of wire and the lights are low voltage (or very high voltage neon), then lightning or a really high powered radio transmitter can produce enough voltage to fire the bulbs.  Not much current, so only flickering output as you saw.

Answer 3

Maybe it could have an internal battery backup. Or it could solar powered.  maybe some sunlight got through to it.

Answer 4

Poltergeist.