Flickering Lights in Your Home: Don’t Take It Lightly. Although it may seem like a minor inconvenience, flickering or dimming lights could indicate a dangerous electrical issue. Address the issue promptly to ensure the safety of your home and its occupants. While there are simple fixes, such as a loose connection, it’s crucial to know when it’s time to seek professional assistance from an electrician to prevent electrical shock or fires.
Start with These Simple Checks.
Occasional light flickering may not necessarily indicate a major issue and can often be caused by simple, overlooked factors. Here are some common causes of light flickering that you can check and fix yourself:
1. Loose Light Bulb
If you experience a flicker with just one light or when a large appliance turns on, the issue could be due to a loose bulb in the socket. This can occur because the bulb receives an inconsistent power supply. To fix this, turn off the light, wait for it to cool down, and then check if the bulb is tightly screwed into the fixture and if it is the right type of bulb for the fixture.
2. Bulb Type
The type of bulb you are using can also cause flickering. For example, fluorescent bulbs tend to flicker when they are warming up.
3. Dimmer Switch and Bulb Compatibility
If you have a dimmer switch, make sure you are using a bulb that is compatible with it. LED bulbs may flicker when used with non-LED dimmers, and you may need to switch to a smart bulb that does not require a physical dimmer switch. If this does not solve the issue, it could be a faulty light switch.
4. Loose Plug Connection
Sometimes, a light flicker can be caused by a loose plug connection. To check this, make sure the plug is securely plugged into the outlet. If the prongs are bent, unplug the light, straighten the prongs, and then plug it back in.
Flickering Lights Causes and Fixes
Don’t ignore flickering lights, even in a well-designed electrical system. After addressing minor issues like loose connections, if the problem persists, it could indicate a major issue with your electrical system that can’t handle high electrical loads. Immediate attention is necessary to prevent shock or fire.
Observe the following to determine the cause of the flickering:
- Frequency: Is it a one-time occurrence or persistent?
- Intensity: Was the flickering minor or severe?
- Pattern: Does it happen every time you use a specific appliance?
Flickering lights can be a sign of a serious issue with your electrical system. There are several major causes of flickering lights that require immediate attention to prevent shock or fire.
1. Overloaded Circuit
If you notice flickering lights when turning on a large appliance, it could indicate an overloaded circuit. This can be a temporary issue if the flickering is brief and infrequent, but if it happens often or lasts more than a few seconds, it’s a sign of a circuit overload. It’s important to call in a professional electrician to safely address this issue.
2. Utility Service
Flickering lights can also stem from the source of your electricity, your electric company. If homes nearby share a transformer and one is using a lot of electricity, it can affect your lights. If this is the case, contact an electrician to determine if any repairs need to be made.
3. Voltage Fluctuation
Homes should have a standard 120-volt circuit with a voltage reading between 115 and 125 volts. If the reading is higher than 125 volts, it’s a sign of a serious issue with the electrical system. Other signs of high voltage or voltage fluctuation problems include light bulbs burning out faster, inconsistent dimming of lights, and malfunctioning appliances or electronics. Call a professional electrician immediately if you suspect a voltage fluctuation issue.
4. Old or Loose Wires
Loose wiring can be a hazard. Flickering lights can be a result of outdated or old wiring, which can occur due to improper installation or wear and tear over time. Wiring issues are a common cause of fires in homes.
5. Arcing
Loose wiring can also cause arcing, which occurs when the electrical current must jump over a poor connection to continue flowing. This produces extremely high temperatures that can spark and cause electrical fires. Each arc can reach temperatures above 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Preventing arcing requires a professional to check for loose wiring in fixtures, switches, breaker boxes, and the main electrical panel.
6. Main Connection
If lights are flickering in multiple areas of the home, it may indicate an issue with the main connection or service cable. If the flickering is inconsistent and without explanation, it is important to call a professional electrician to check the main meter box connection.
It’s important to be aware of these causes and the signs of a serious issue with your electrical system to keep your home and family safe.
Lights Flickering in House? When to Call an Electrician.
Attempting to fix major electrical issues without proper expertise can result in dangerous consequences such as accidental shock, injury, burns, or death. Improper wiring installation can also lead to fire hazards, and insurance may not cover the damages. It’s recommended to have a professional electrician diagnose and resolve the issue in order to prevent potential problems.
Common Questions About Flickering Lights
Flickering lights can be an annoyance and a warning sign of a potential electrical hazard in your home. Here are some common questions about the causes and solutions for flickering lights.
Yes, flickering lights can indicate a potential fire hazard in your home. If the lights flicker throughout the house and are not due to a large appliance, such as an air conditioner, it could mean there is a problem with the wiring that could lead to a fire.
Yes, flickering lights can be caused by a faulty breaker. When a breaker fails, it can cause an interruption in the flow of electricity, which results in the flickering of lights. If the flickering is persistent, it’s recommended to have the breaker inspected and replaced if necessary to prevent potential electrical issues, including fires.
Light flickering when an air conditioner turns on is a common issue. This is often caused by the air conditioner drawing a large amount of electrical power, which can put a strain on the electrical circuit and cause the lights to flicker. The solution could be to have an electrician upgrade the electrical circuit to handle the increased demand or to have a larger-capacity air conditioner installed. It’s important to address the issue, as flickering lights can be a sign of a potential electrical hazard, including a fire.