Light flickering can be an annoying and unsettling issue in any household.
Not only does it disrupt the ambience of a space, but it may also be indicative of an underlying electrical problem.
There are a number of common reasons that could be causing this, but luckily, there are also a number of practical solutions to help you put an end to the pesky problem.
Understanding the Causes of Flickering Lights
Loose, Faulty or Incompatible Bulbs
One of the most common causes of a flickering light is simply a loose or faulty bulb. Closely followed by incompatible bulbs. If you have dimmer switches installed and notice flickering, it might be due to incompatible bulbs or malfunctioning dimmer switches.
Voltage Fluctuations
Fluctuations in voltage can very easily cause lights to flicker. This can happen when large appliances or machinery in your home start or stop drawing power, affecting the overall voltage that is available for lighting.
Faulty Electrical Wiring
Old or damaged electrical wiring can cause lights to flicker. Similarly, wiring that is frayed, improperly connected, or corroded can disrupt the flow of electricity and result in flickering lights.
Overloaded Circuits
When a circuit is overloaded with too many appliances or devices drawing power simultaneously, the strain on the circuit can lead to voltage drops and flickering lights. This is a clear sign that you need to redistribute the electrical load in your home or consider upgrading your electrical system.
Ways to Stop Lights From Flickering
Tighten or Replace Bulbs
If the issue is isolated to one specific fixture, ensure the bulb is properly secured. If the problem persists, try using a different bulb to see if it’s a bulb issue.
Check and Upgrade Dimmer Switches
If you happen to have dimmer lights installed, ensure the bulbs are actually compatible with the dimmer switches. If needed, replace your current bulbs with dimmable bulbs. Similarly, older dimmer switches often won’t be compatible with new LED lights and may need upgrading.
Redistribute Electrical Load
It is very important to avoid overloading the electrical circuits in your home. You can do this by distributing the use of electrical devices across multiple different circuits. This helps to balance the load and prevent flickering caused by excessive power consumption.
Inspect and Update Wiring
Faulty or loose wiring in a lighting fixture can pose a significant fire hazard. If you have tried all of the simple methods to repair the problem, it is time to have a licensed electrician take a look at the wiring itself. In most cases, flickering lights are a simple fix. However, if the problem originates from the wiring or the circuit breaker, you will need the expertise of a professional to properly fix the issue.
Fixing the Flicker
It is important to remember that flickering lights are not just an inconvenience; they could be signalling a number of potentially dangerous electrical issues.
Taking the time to identify and address the root cause will not only improve the lighting atmosphere in your home but will also help to ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system.
If you are unsure of the origin of the problem or how to resolve it, it is always recommended that you seek the assistance of a certified electrician to ensure a safe resolution.
Jetset Electrical is your local, trusted electrician. So, if the flickering lights are becoming a headache you don’t want to deal with, contact us at 1300 453 871 and book your electrical fault finding consultation today.
