Why Do Lights Flicker?
Flickering can point to underlying electrical issues homeowners should repair immediately to ensure the household remains safe.
Some homeowners dismiss the occasional blinking light, but frequent flickering can cause concern. Flickering can point to underlying electrical issues homeowners should repair immediately to ensure the household remains safe.
Let's look at the most effective fixes that will restore full brightness in no time.
Tightening loose bulbs
Before panicking about the safety of the entire electrical system:
Consider the most common culprit—loose bulbs.
When blinking occurs, switch off the power and gently tighten the bulb.
Always wear a glove to avoid injuries.
If a bulb sits loosely in its socket, it can't work correctly, resulting in intermittent flickering. Unfortunately, this can often occur with recessed lights, so homeowners should always inspect the connections.
Upgrading incompatible or old light switches
If there's no problem with the bulbs, the light switches could be causing trouble. For example, a dimmer switch compatible with incandescent lights won't support LED models.
Thus, the lights might be flickering because they're incompatible with the switch. Mismatches usually lead to blinking and buzzing.
The simplest way to resolve the issue is to install new switches. However, the installation could involve complex wiring work, and it's best to rely on professional assistance to avoid complications.
Using smart bulbs
LED bulbs are another excellent solution because they don't require a physical dimmer switch.
They're reliable, energy-efficient, and easy to adjust. In addition, switching to LED models reduces the risk of flickering and makes old wiring and incompatible dimmers a non-issue.
Contact an expert
The above fixes aren't always sufficient, and homeowners should contact a reliable electrician to inspect the electrical system's health.
Solving wiring problems should be a top priority because faulty lighting can cause an electrical fire.
Checking the circuit
The first factor experts consider when fixing flickering lights is the circuit.
Overloaded circuits can jeopardize the entire electrical system. For example, HVAC units, appliances, and fixtures cause blinking lights when activated because they pull too much power. The culprit is usually an underperforming breaker or inadequate wiring.
Determining which appliance puts the most pressure on the circuit can be challenging. Homeowners must access the circuit breaker and power on each load to see when buzzing or blinking occurs. Handling an overloaded circuit breaker is often dangerous, so let a professional complete this job.
Loose wiring
Old or worn-out wiring is another cause of flickering lights.
Loose wires are among the top reasons for house fires and require immediate action. An experienced technician will quickly determine the wiring's condition and find the best solution.
Wires are delicate and since they're mostly out of sight, spotting the warning signs isn't always possible. So, consider scheduling an inspection to ensure the electrical system is in good shape.
Safety and brightness: the perfect combination
Homeowners should never dismiss flickering lights because they could indicate a more significant issue that may threaten the household's safety. Instead, they should contact a professional who will resolve any underlying electrical problems.
When you need a licensed electrician for commercial or residential electrical needs, call Zimmerman Electric at 310-378-1323.