Flickering lights can happen for many reasons. Bad dimmers, loose bulbs, circuit overloads or old wiring are common causes. Sometimes, problems with the electrical panel or issues with the utility grid may be to blame. If the flickering does not stop or get worse, call a professional like Sen Electrical to avoid any risks.
Why Do My Lights Keep Flickering?
Flickering lights caused by loose light bulb
One of the most common reasons that lights in a home flicker is a loose light bulb. Sometimes, it is just a matter of screwing the replacement bulb in too loosely. The bulb then accidentally disconnects, causing a flicker. A loose light bulb can also be caused by vibration.
Failing or incompatible light bulbs
LED bulbs and dimmer switches don’t always get along. If you have recently switched to LED bulbs, ensure they are compatible with your dimmer switch. On the other hand, older bulbs nearing the end of their life can also flicker as a cry for help.
Wiring issues
Outdated, worn or damaged wiring is one of the biggest reasons lights flicker. If the flickering is widespread or accompanied by other signs like buzzing sounds, burning smells or frequent breaker trips, don’t wait. Faulty wiring can lead to electrical fires.
Overloaded circuits
Overloaded circuits are another common cause of flickering lights. Do you notice that the flickering just happens when a high-powered appliance is in use? For example, are lights flickering in the home when the AC kicks on? Do the lights dim and come back when you use a tool like a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner? These momentary power drains are a sign that your circuit is being asked to handle more power than it is designed for.
Begin by moving some appliances or high-power devices to other circuits or outlets. Additionally, check to ensure that your appliances are not using more power than the outlet is rated for.
Shifts in voltage
A flickering light can be a sign of voltage changes in your house. These fluctuations are caused by lots of factors, including damaged or poor wiring, overloaded circuits, lightning strikes and more. Voltage shifts should be addressed quickly to save your household time and money.
Utility problems
Sometimes, flickering lights are caused by an outside problem. This is generally due to issues in your local area or problems with your service provider. If lights are flickering in the home during a storm, for example, that could signal broader problems such as lightning striking a transformer or a storm-related accident destroying power lines.
In these instances, it is helpful to check your utility company’s website for outages. Even if the problem is not in your immediate neighbourhood, your power can be affected while the utility company works to get everything back online. Ageing infrastructure, damaged lines and scheduled outages can also be a cause. Call an electrician if you believe these are the cause of your electrical problem.
