If you’re reading this, then you’re probably experiencing some light flickering in your home. In some cases, it’s merely annoying and an easy fix. In other situations, however, flickering lights could be the sign of a more serious and potentially dangerous issue that requires professional repair.
Why might your lights be flickering? Read on for ten of the most common culprits.
1, Light bulb issues. This covers a few different possibilities. The light bulb you’re using could be faulty or nearing the end of its life span. The bulb may not be secured tightly enough in the socket… simply give it a quick turn and tighten to see. Or you might simply have the wrong bulb in the fixture (for example, if your light is controlled by a dimmer switch, use only the dimmable bulbs that are compatible with your dimmer switch).
2. A faulty switch. If the connection between the light/fixture switch and the bulb isn’t optimal, flickering often occurs. You can try a couple of things to determine whether the switch needs replacing:
- Gently wiggle the fixture switch and see if it causes a flicker. If it does, the switch should be replaced. That’s a pretty easy fix.
- If the light is already flickering, toggle the switch on and off to see if that works. If so, you’ll need a replacement switch.
3. A loose light plug. This one is pretty self-explanatory. Check out the plug and see if it’s fitting securely into the outlet. If not, that may cause the light to flicker.
4. Loose, outdated wiring/connection. If wiring connections are loose in a light, switch box, or outlet, arcing may occur. This is when electrical current jumps over gaps in the connection and it is a leading cause of electrical fires. Each arc can be hotter than 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can easily spark an electrical fire. The issue can originate from a switch failure, loose wiring in a fixture, loose service conductors in the electrical panel, or worn breaker box connectors. The bottom line is, one loose connection can not only ruin your entire system but it can also start a fire–neither is a situation you want to deal with, so it’s best to call a pro if you suspect a loose connection.
5. A faulty electrical panel. There are plenty of ways an electrical panel can become faulty: corrosion, outdated equipment, tripped breakers, and overcrowding are among the culprits. All of these can cause interruption in the power supply from the panel to your lighting fixtures, which may result in flickering. If your electrical panel is dated or faulty, you’ll need an electrician to install a new one.
6. An overloaded circuit. The easiest way to identify whether an overloaded circuit may be the problem? If your lights flicker, dim, or blink when a major electrical appliance is turned on (washing machine, air conditioner, etc.), there’s a good chance it’s an overloaded circuit, because those appliances are pulling more electrical current than the circuit can handle. You may notice subtle flickering every now and then as soon as the appliance comes on… that’s actually normal, because those large appliances draw more current when they start. But if the flickering is constant and very noticeable, there might be a problem that requires a check by an electrician.
7). Voltage fluctuations. If you notice…
- Lights consistently flickering when a large appliance is turned on
- Continuing flickering after the appliance has stopped
- Unexpected dimming
- Frequent light burnouts
…there are probably voltage fluctuations beyond the norm. Your home should always range between 115 and 125 volts, which can be checked with a voltmeter. If you get a reading consistently above 125 volts, that’s likely your issue.
8. Electric utility service issues. If you reside in a neighborhood, your house probably shares a transformer with other homes nearby. That means you’re all tied into the same electrical supply. What does this mean? If a neighbor down the road is using a lot of electricity, yours may suffer, which you’d notice with flickering lights. If that’s not the case, or your neighbor is having the same issue as you, it’s most likely your electric utility service. A licensed electrician can determine if that’s the case.
9. A meter box or main service cable connection. If lights are flickering all across your home for no particular reason, call an electrician immediately. This could be a problem with your main meter box connection or with the service cable connection. These are high-capacity wires that should only be fixed by an electrician.
10. A Brownout. Not quite a blackout, where everything goes dark, a brownout typically occurs when electricity is in high demand and usage within a neighborhood. Also known as a dip, a brownout is essentially a reduction of power supply that causes power to drop below the regular level, which can cause flickering lights.
Should I Be Concerned About Flickering Lights?
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why lights in your home may flicker. Some are a quick and easy fix; others are more complicated and potentially dangerous. If you’ve tried the easy fixes–such as checking bulbs, plugs, and switches–and your lights are still flickering, you probably need an electrician to diagnose and fix the issue.
Connected Electrical is here for all your electrical needs. Our licensed electricians are ready to provide you with a Five-Star experience in all aspects of our service. Call us today at (216) 238-5314 if you live in the Greater Cleveland area, or (330) 574-4285 if you’re in the Akron/Youngstown area and let us know how we can help.
