Why Your May Lights Flicker Even When The Bulbs Are New
When you flip the light switch on, you usually don’t think twice about the illumination that fills the room. However, when the lights flicker, you might feel annoyed or even concerned.
While it’s easy to overlook flickering lights as a nuisance or think that the bulb is simply going out, this is a problem that requires inspection. Some causes of flickering lights are minor and easily resolved, but others are safety hazards that require the services of a licensed electrician. What’s making your lights flicker?
1. Loose Lightbulbs
Your home’s flickering light could be caused by something as simple as a loose bulb. If this is the cause, you’ll typically notice that only one light flickers. This is the simplest problem to check, so give the bulb a light twist to see if it is screwed in tightly.
2. Loose Plugs
Sometimes, the problem is the electricity supply to the fixture rather than the bulb. Check the plug to ensure that it fits snugly in the outlet. If the plug seems loose in the outlet or regularly slips out, the outlet should be replaced. The electricity may jump between the outlet and the plug due to a loose connection. This is known as arcing, and it often creates a spark. The spark can cause an electrical shock or even a house fire, so the fixture should not be used until it has been replaced.
3. Damaged Light Fixtures
You might assume that the only reason to replace your home’s light fixtures is due to outdated style, but this isn’t the case, Light fixtures can wear out and get damaged over time. For example, the tension in the fixture’s center hot tab can decrease over a period of years and cause flickering lights. Other causes of light fixture problems are foundation shifts, water leaks and temperature fluctuations.
4. Wiring Problems
The wires that carry electricity to the lights can be problematic at times. Check the visible cord on lamps for damage. The wire or even the entire lamp should be replaced immediately if the cord is damaged. Damage to the internal wiring in your home could also affect the power supply to the lights. For example, pests that work their way into your home can gnaw on the wires and cause damage. In both instances, the damage could lead to a house fire and requires an immediate response.
5. Dimmer Switch Issues
Dimmer switches enable you to easily control illumination and ambience in a room, but they might also be the reason your lights flicker. Keep in mind that not all lightbulbs are dimmable. If the lights flicker when you adjust the dimmer switch, this might be the cause. If you plan to install a dimmer in other rooms soon, choose a dimmer switch that is compatible with the types of bulbs that you want to use.
6. High Power Consumption
Your home’s circuit breaker can handle a certain amount of electricity at one time. When the circuit is overloaded, power supply to some of the lights or other devices decreases. This could cause the lights to flicker. If you’ve recently added a new electronic device or appliance to your home, ensure that the power supply is adequate for your home’s needs and power consumption.
7. Inadequate Main Connection
If you’ve inspected all of the potential causes of flickering lights inside the home without discovering the cause, it’s time to look outside the home. The electricity flowing into your home must pass through a main service cable or meter box. Any problems with these devices can result in inadequate or fluctuating power supply. Only a licensed electrician should diagnose and repair this problem.
8. Utility Provider Problems
At times, the community power demand is so significant that all homes and businesses in the area cannot access sufficient power. The lights might dim or flicker when this happens. Problems with the service provider’s equipment could also be the problem. If all of the lights in your home flicker at the same time, give your utility provider a call. You might learn that there’s a community-wide problem that the provider is actively working to fix.
What You Can Do About Flickering Lights
If your lights flicker, there are some easy steps that you can take to safely identify and correct the problem. However, if these steps don’t resolve the issue, the next step is to schedule electricity repair service. What can you do when your lights flicker?
- Make sure the bulb is screwed in tightly.
- If you’re using a dimmer switch, ensure that the bulb and dimmer switch are compatible.
- Check if the plug is fully secured in the outlet.
- Inspect the external wire on plug-in lamps for damage.
- Contact your utility provider to inquire about issues impacting your community’s power supply.
Schedule Electrical Service in Ocala Today
If you’ve done everything you can safely do and your lights still flicker, it’s time to call the pros. Our licensed electricians at Ocala Mister Sparky are committed to your complete satisfaction. We always arrive on time and equipped with all of the tools and supplies needed to do most common repair projects. You can count on us to keep the lights on in your home. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky!
