“Did the light just flicker, or am I seeing things?” If this is a question you are asking yourself more and more often, it’s safe to say you have an electrical problem! Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to get to the bottom of why your indoor lights are flickering or blinking. Let’s look at the common causes of flickering lights and how you can fix each problem.
A Loose Light Bulb
One of the reasons your light may be blinking is that the bulb is not screwed in entirely to the socket. The solution is simple: flip the light off, let the bulb cool down, and then tighten the bulb in its socket.
Bulb Incompatibility
If you have conventional dimmer switches and you’re using fluorescent or LED light bulbs, you may be experiencing a flickering effect every time you use the lights. These switches have been designed for incandescent or halogen light bulbs and should only be used with compatible bulbs.
To resolve the head-ache inducing flickering, switch out the fluorescent or LED lights for incandescent bulbs. If you want to continue using LED bulbs, install LED dimmer switches and use compatible dimmer LED bulbs.
Overloaded Circuit
Do your lights flicker when you use or turn on a large appliance, such as the washing machine or air conditioner? This could indicate that your circuit breaker is overloaded.
Brief flickering isn’t serious, but it can be a nuisance. However, if the blinking lasts longer than a few seconds, you may want to upgrade your electrical circuits with the assistance of a professional electrician.
Changes in Voltage
Your home’s electrical voltage will fluctuate from time to time. However, it should always stay within the range of 115 to 125 volts. Voltage fluctuations outside of this range can cause flickering lights, unexpected dimming lights, and light bulbs to burn out quickly. You can check your home’s voltage with a voltmeter and then have a certified electrician diagnose the problem.
Loose Wires
If none of the above troubleshooting steps helped you find the cause behind your flickering lights, you might have loose connections in your electrical wiring. Wires can become loose due to wear and tear, improper installation, or outdated wiring.
Loose connections are very serious and should not be ignored because they are a fire hazard, prone to arcing and overheating. You should get in touch with an electrician as soon as possible.
Repair Flickering Lights ASAP
While flickering lights can seem like a minor annoyance, they can turn into major problems. Have them addressed by a professional electrician as soon as you notice a problem. Our team at Wes Carver Electric will quickly diagnose and resolve the issue. We’re available to answer any of your questions — everything from how the lighting in your home can be improved to what causes an electrical surge.
For more information about all of our offerings, including interior lighting services, reach out to our specialists today.