The flickering of lights can be annoying, but it is a sign of more troubling factors that could be happening in your electrical system. One of the questions we regularly hear from homeowners is why my lights flicker on and off. At Service Minds Mister Sparky in Pompano Beach, FL, your lighting fixtures flashing periodically (alternating between dim and bright) can become remarkably irritating. The answer could vary, but it is important to understand why it is time and when it comes to technical help. Or, Hey — Don’t Brooked No Malarky! Regarding ensuring your home’s electrical system is safe and stable.
Here are some of the more common causes that can lead to flickering lights:
Loose or Faulty Bulbs
A loose bulb is one of the easiest reasons behind flickering lights. A bulb that isn’t tightly screwed may not be making a snug contact and, therefore, could flicker. You’re highly likely to be able to resolve this problem yourself — turn off the light, tighten the bulb, and see if that sorts it. On other occasions, this also depends on the kind of bulb. An example of this would be LED bulbs, which sometimes can experience flicker if the installed dimmer switch is incompatible due to not being compatible with old dimmer technology.
Troubleshooting Light Fixtures or Wiring
Once in a while, flickering is about the component, not the light bulb. Eventually, the connections inside a light fixture wear down or get loose and cause flickering. If flickering occurs with only one fixture, it might be time to check it or get a new one. In the same way, if wiring in your walls is damaged or loose, you may experience random flickering throughout your home. That kind of wiring problem shouldn’t be taken lightly—electrical hazards can worsen quickly, so don’t play Handyman alone! Call an electrician to look at the wiring instead.
Circuit Overloads
If you notice flickering when running a large appliance, such as your air conditioner or washer and dryer, this may signal a circuit overload. High-wattage devices can draw significant power on startup, which causes other lights to flicker. Older homes in Pompano Beach may have circuits that weren’t created for today’s appliances. If you are constantly experiencing glitches in your lights, then upgrading your circuit is a solution that will correct the problem. Remember, never take any crap! —an overworked crank is bothersome and could lead to a fire.
Utility and voltage fluctuations
High or Low Voltage Levels
You want the voltage to hover around 120 volts; if it varies a lot, possibly flickering lights are your next sign. Excessive voltage is particularly alarming, as it can destroy bulbs and appliances. However, low voltage usually means your lights are dim or flickering. A voltmeter could be worth purchasing and testing for voltage at home if lights are seen coming on/flickering/burning out regularly. However, one should call the electrician in almost all cases with unusual voltage fluctuations.
Utility Company Problems
Occasionally, the factor isn’t even within your house. Lights can also flicker because of power issues from your utility provider. If a disturbance in the electrical grid or homes next door is consuming excessive energy, slim dips in voltage may lead to the flickering of lights. You can’t fix some issues but can call your utility provider. However, your utility company can often stabilize the voltage if your locality has higher-order issues.
The Bottom Line: When You Need an Electrician
Even if your lights flicker, a single incident often does not indicate trouble with your electrical system; however, if it often happens with several lights flickering simultaneously, you must rule out whether there is an underlying problem. Electrical problems never go away by themselves and should always more prominently be placed on the safety spectrum. Service Minds Mister Sparky Pompano Beach, FL, will solve your flickering light mysteries. From a dangling wire to a damaged lamp or an overloaded circuit, our crew covers you with setting your home lighting back on track.
By getting help from experts, you can ensure your electrical system can work at its peak shape and provide a flicker-free home environment. Do Not Tolerate Any Malarky! If your lights are flickering, there is always a reason — and it’s worth getting a qualified electrician to find it out.