For most of us, a flickering light is annoying, and that’s about it. It’s something you may comment on, or not. A flickering light can quickly become part of your routine, being dismissed as ultimately harmless.
However, this is something you should definitely be worried about!
So, what do you need to do when your lights flicker? Don’t delay, call an electrician right away!
Should I worry about flickering lights?
Are flickering lights dangerous?
Flickering lights are usually a symptom of an electrical fault in your home.
It may seem harmless, but flickering lights can often indicate an underlying issue with your electrical system.
As with any electrical problem, there can be any one or more potentially dangerous range of issues, especially if it happens frequently:
Electrical overloads
Unexpected power surges
Switches frequently tripping
Risk of electrical fires
Increased electrocution risk
You need to get them checked out by a pro sooner rather than later. To determine what’s causing the flicker in the first place, you need the help of a local reliable electrician!
What causes lights to flicker and dim in a home?
1. Overloaded circuit
If you happen to see your lights blinking when some of your other appliances are running like a washing machine or air conditioning system, the problem may well be an overloaded electrical circuit.
Electrical circuits are only designed to handle a certain amount of electricity at once – push your circuit beyond its limits, and you might see the power supply being affected, with flickering lights being the most visible symptom.
Large appliances consume more power once turned on.
This then affects how much is left for your other appliances, affecting their performance and in the case of your lights, causing them to flicker and dim.
Spacing out appliance usage isn’t always feasible, the only safe and sure way is by expanding your electrical circuits and increasing their capacity.
2. Loose and outdated electrical wirings
Electricity always seeks the fastest route towards the ground (incidentally, this is what the phrase “path of least resistance” originally referred to). Oftentimes, this involves “jumping” from the intended circuit. Properly insulated circuits and wiring help protect against this.
Unfortunately, old, worn-out, outdated and loose electrical wiring can make it possible for the electrical current to “jump” out of its intended path. This can cause lights to flicker, BUT more alarming, can also dramatically increase the risk of electrocution, or a home electrical fire!
Loose electrical connections create heat and over time, can reach a dangerous point, causing harm to your electrical system overall, including a very real and dangerous fire risk.
Have a qualified electrician inspect your electrical wiring connections, especially if you suspect that outdated and loose wirings are to blame.
3. Voltage fluctuations
In addition to overloads, voltage fluctuations can also cause lights to start flickering.
Just like your electrical circuits, your lights are designed with a certain voltage in mind, and voltage fluctuations and power surges can cause your lights to flicker.
Some telltale signs that cause flickering lights would involve:
Unexpected dimming
Appliances stopped working, and flickering continues
Consistent flicker once you turn on your appliance
It isn’t just dips that can affect your lights, either – unexpected power surges can result in more power than your lights are designed to handle. Normally, your lights are protected by circuit breakers and other measures. If it continues to happen, it may be a sign that these all-important measures aren’t working as they should!
If you’re noticing fluctuations in your power, it’s best to call a professional to check it out for you.
4. Loose light bulb
In some cases just a single bulb flickering most of the time may be isolated to just that particular light. Checking the light itself may reveal issues with your bulb itself, electrical socket or connection. Please turn off the main light switch for safety, wait for it to cool down, before checking for any loose connections.
For some cases, simply screwing and tightening the bulb socket will do the trick, but if it still doesn’t work, replacing the socket may be required.
In reality, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and entrust this duty to an electrician who knows, they might also be able to determine whether or not it’s actually another issue that’s causing your problem!
5. Faulty light switches
A worn and defective light switch should be immediately replaced or repaired. Switches do wear out, eventually, causing a poor connection between the switch and the bulb. Yes, this can often cause flickering, but more alarmingly a risk of electrocution!
Faulty light switches can cause electricity to “leak”, shocking anyone who tries using them.
Faulty light switches are caused by loose electrical wiring, and are accompanied by buzzing, popping and even sizzling sounds in addition to flickering.
Why do LED lights flicker?
What about LED lights? Since these types of bulbs operate on a different principle compared to traditional light bulbs, are the causes of flickering with these lights different?
Absolutely! Most of the causes of flickering lights have nothing to do with the lights themselves and more to do with the circuits, sockets and switches that supply electricity to them. In most cases, LED lights flicker for the exact same reason as regular lights.
When you see your lights flicker, your immediate reaction shouldn’t be to ignore it and dismiss it as normal – it’s not normal for lights to blink, fade, shimmer or flicker before they reach full brightness.
No, what you need to do is call a 24 hour electrician right away!
Do you have issues with flickering lights?
Poor quality lighting and flickering lights are a major area of concern – not only does it affect your comfort, but it can also indicate electrical hazards in the home.
Make sure that everything is working properly as it should by calling a certified and experienced local reliable electrician for your home or commercial electrical requirements.
LMC Electrical offers a broad range of residential and commercial electrical services in the North Brisbane and peninsula region, and are capable of handling even the most intricate and demanding home and commercial projects – we can certainly tackle your lighting!
We provide you with commercial electrical services such as:
Lighting and appliance failure
Blown fuse
Electrical fires
Electrical inspection and maintenance
Electrical wiring problems and solutions
Make your lighting as safe and effective as possible with LMC Electrical Service.
Text or call 0432 380 701
Please leave a message if we don't answer.
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