Flickering lights can be an annoying and unsettling experience. They not only disrupt the ambiance of your home, but they can also indicate underlying electrical issues that may require immediate attention. Understanding the potential causes of flickering lights can help you address the problem effectively to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system.
Simple Explanations for Flickering Lights
Although flickering lights are concerning, there could be a simple explanation for it. Consider the following common reasons for this problem, which won’t require much effort to investigate and resolve.
Loose or Faulty Bulbs
One of the simplest explanations for flickering lights is a loose or faulty bulb. If a bulb isn’t screwed in tightly, it may not establish a proper connection with the socket, causing intermittent lighting. This can also happen if the bulb itself is defective or nearing the end of its lifespan. Replacing the bulb or ensuring it’s properly secured can often resolve this issue quickly.
Power Supply Issues
Another simple explanation is a problem with the power supply from your utility company. Variations in the voltage supplied to your home can cause lights to flicker, especially if there’s a sudden drop or spike in voltage. The good news is your home may not have any electrical problems, but you may continue to experience flickering lights until the power company resolves the issue.
Electrical Reasons for Flickering Lights
When it comes to your home’s electrical system, there are various problems that can cause flickering lights. If you are convinced the problem isn’t a faulty bulb or power supply issue, call a licensed electrician to help you investigate the problem further.
Loose Wiring
Loose wiring is a common cause of flickering lights and can pose a significant safety risk. Over time, connections within the electrical system can become loose, leading to intermittent contact. This not only causes flickering, but it can also result in overheating and potential fires. If you suspect loose wiring, it’s crucial to have a licensed electrician inspect and secure the connections.
Faulty Connections
In addition to loose wiring, faulty connections in outlets, switches, or the electrical panel can cause flickering lights. Poorly made connections can lead to arcing, where electricity jumps across gaps, creating a fire hazard.
Faulty Light Switches
Worn-out or fault light switches can also cause flickering. Over time, the internal components of a switch can degrade, leading to an unstable electrical connection. If you notice flickering when you toggle a particular switch, it might be time to replace it.
Overloaded Circuit
When multiple high-wattage appliances run on the same circuit, they can overload it. This overload can cause lights to flicker, particularly if the circuit is not designed to handle the combined load. Your home may need rewiring to distribute the electrical load more evenly across different circuits, or you consider upgrading your electrical system to accommodate higher demand.
Large Appliances Cycling
Certain large appliances, such as air conditioners or refrigerators, draw a significant amount of power when they cycle on and off. This sudden surge in electrical demand can cause lights to flicker momentarily. While this is usually not a cause for concern, if the flickering is severe or persistent, it may indicate that the appliance is malfunctioning or that your electrical system needs an upgrade to handle the load more efficiently.
Call an Experienced Electrician for Help
Flickering lights in your home are a nuisance, and they can indicate a more serious problem that you should address. We at Meyers Companies, Inc. can provide the professional services and support you need to investigate a problem involving flickering lights, identify the underlying issue, and provide solutions that can fit within your budget.
Learn more about our services and request an appointment by contacting us online.