What Does Dimming Lights Indicate
You’ve just switched on the overhead light in the living room, but it’s flickering or dimming. Do you have an overloaded circuit? Maybe, but an overloaded circuit is only one of the possible causes of dimming lights.
Keep reading to find out more about what might cause dimming lights, how to know when you have an overloaded circuit, and what to do about it.
How Circuits Overload
Overload happens when there are too many appliances and electrical items going to one circuit. When an electrician does the wiring throughout your home, electricity should be distributed evenly across circuits. However, over time, you may end up overloading circuits for a few reasons.
One reason could be that you’ve replaced an appliance or electronic device with a new one that draws more electricity.
Another is that you may have used a power cord to plug multiple devices into an outlet. If that outlet is on the same circuit as your lights, you might have overloaded it.
Your circuits might also be overloaded if an appliance or device is malfunctioning and drawing too much current. If you’re in an older home and your electrical system is older as well, it’s possible that it’s simply not designed for contemporary electrical demands.
Checking Light Bulbs
Much like making sure that an appliance is plugged in before you schedule repair service, your first step should be checking your light bulbs. It’s possible that they are loose or that you need to replace them.
Dimming Lights and Overloaded Circuits
If your light bulbs seem fine, overloaded circuits may be the culprit. Unless you’re an electrician, it’s not always easy to tell whether your circuits are overloaded or if there is another cause of your dimming lights.
However, one fairly reliable indicator is if you check your electrical panel and the circuit has been tripped. A circuit might also trip for other reasons. But if it happens whenever you are using multiple electrical items or appliances and doesn’t flip off again when you start up with fewer items, this is a good indicator that it’s probably an overload.
Another way to tell if your circuits are overloaded is to check how many amps your breaker switch is rated for. The number will be either 15 or 20. If you know how many amps each of your devices uses, you can see whether that exceeds the maximum rating.
If the breaker trips immediately even after you have unplugged some other items, a short circuit could be the problem. An electrician can measure the electrical current to determine if this is the case.
Your circuit may also be overloaded if you hear a buzzing sound, notice a burning smell or find that your appliance switches or your outlets are warm. However, these could be signs of other serious electrical problems as well.
Other Causes of Dimming Lights
There are several other reasons that your lights may be dimming. If you have an old dimmer switch and you’ve begun using LED bulbs, it’s possible that the dimmer switch isn’t compatible. This can be fixed by simply upgrading the old switch.
Other reasons for dimming or flickering lights could be more serious. You may have loose wiring, or your wiring might be outdated.
An electrician can diagnose and fix the problem with your lights. An overloaded circuit may not sound very serious, especially since you can just flip the switch back to “on” and get things working again. However, an overloaded circuit or any of the above problems could create a fire hazard, so it’s important not to ignore dimming lights or other signs of an electrical issue.
Fixing Dimming Lights
Even if you’re a dedicated DIY-er, it’s important to hire an electrician for electrical jobs. It can be easy to get something wrong, which could be dangerous when it comes to electricity. In addition, an electrician will ensure that everything is up to code.
If the problem is a circuit overload, there are a few potential solutions. We may replace or upgrade the circuit. You may have an appliance that needs its own dedicated circuit. We might upgrade your entire electrical panel.
If you have loose or damaged wiring, we can fix that as well. If your wiring is out of date, we can discuss your options and our recommendations. Rewiring may be necessary.
Call Mister Sparky for All Your Electrical Needs
You shouldn’t rely on guesswork when it comes to your electrical system. At Mister Sparky, we have the knowledge and tools necessary to identify the problem with your dimming lights and provide the solution. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
