It is often unpredictable how electricity will behave. In a split second, you might have everything running smoothly, while the next moment, you might find your lights won’t stop flickering. A simple light bulb replacement may solve the problem, but when delving deeper into the detail, the resolution may not be so simple.
There are five common causes of flickering lights and how these issues are fixable. Check out our list of the top five reasons as to why your lights are flickering.
Table of Contents
1. Draws of Large Currents
The larger appliances in your home may draw a large amount of power when they come on. This power draw is quite common, but it is also one of the major causes of the flickering of lights. A large draw of power from an alternative source such as a generator can cause your lights to flicker too.
It is possible that when this draw happens, you notice that your lights may flicker or dim for a few moments due to this unexpected, high surge of power. Yet, in most cases, the problem goes away when the power returns to the original draw.
Whether you have a more serious problem is best left to an electrician like those at Buell Electric who are qualified to inspect your wiring. It’s probable the original wiring was not wired right in the first place. Yet, considering how overworked the circuit is, it will only worsen if they do not fix it.
2. A Faulty Connection
Are you able to tell if the light or lamp is not working in the right way in its connection or if the switch that turns on or off the fixture is not working at all? For example, it could happen that the main switch is not working or that the connection between the fixture and the switch is loose.
Make sure to turn off all electrical fixtures when you are trying to check this. Also, make sure to check if there is a problem with the wiring. Please do not use any other fixture until you have fixed this problem because it can be quite dangerous for you or your family members.
It is possible to determine whether it is a problem with the connection by wiggling the switch on/off. Yet, as you play with the light, there is a chance of a faulty switch that is causing the light to dim. A lamp’s switch on the cord may be easy to replace, but those found in sockets are more challenging.
If you’re wondering how to fix faulty wiring, the best thing to do in this case would be to leave it to the professionals who know how to fix flickering lights. The last thing you want is to electrocute yourself when trying to fix the issue.
3. Bulbs That Are Loose
The bulb will rattle in its socket if it is not seated. If it seems loose, you might notice a flicker in the light. The important thing to do in this case is to remove the light bulb and then check it for lint or dust that could be causing the problem.
Next, you will need to clean the contact points on both ends and try installing them again. If you still have flickering lights, then you must replace the bulb immediately. It will help restore the steady flow of electricity in your home and reduce the possibility of dips in the power supply.
4. Dimmers
In most cases, flickering results from incorrect usage of dimmer switches used with incompatible LED bulbs. Also, the electrical loads a dimmed light fixture can handle vary from installation to installation. In other words, if a low-voltage LED connects to a higher-powered dimmer switch, the LED may dim or flicker due to the dimmer switch’s higher power.
Check the compatibility of the bulb with your dimmer before you decide to buy it. For those with a dimmer switch with a problem working with LED bulbs, you can replace that one with one that works.
5. Type of Bulb
Have you ever noticed how fluorescent lighting flickers more than LED light bulbs or other types of bulbs? Fluorescent lights can flicker for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons for this are the ambient temperature, the warm-up cycle, and the age of the bulb.
Even if there is only a minor flicker, it is important to replace the fluorescent bulb if you notice it dims or flickers. It’s not worth the risk of exposure to flickering light if you are working in an environment that requires a steady concentration.
It is also important to check the label and find out what type of fluorescent bulb you have. Then, try replacing it with a new one if you notice that it is often flickering or dims at random times. It can save you a lot from headaches, as well as money spent on sudden repairs to lighting equipment and fixtures.
If The Lights Are Flickering, Get Smart
Their long lifespan and high efficiency characterize LED bulbs. Yet, from time to time, you’ll find these lights are flickering as well.
There is a high probability that it is because of one of the issues discussed in this article if you encounter this problem. Following these steps will allow you to fix the problem.
And if it turns out your wiring is okay, and you’re using older bulbs, this is a great opportunity to kit your house out with LED bulbs. Or, you can take it one step further and begin to set up an automated home with smart bulbs – the possibilities are endless!
Keep reading our blog for more great advice that’ll light up your life!
