Most Common Causes of Flickering Lights

Why are my lights flickering? Here are common reasons lights flicker in houses. Lights flickering or power keeps flickering in your home can be quite annoying and can disrupt the peaceful ambiance of any room. While occasional flickering may not be a cause for concern, persistent flickering can indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. Here are some of the most common causes of flickering lights:

1. Bulb Flickers: One of the simplest explanations for flickering lights are loose connections, faulty wiring or faulty bulb. Over time, bulbs can become loose in their sockets, causing intermittent light fixture flickering. Additionally, if the a light bulb keeps flickering it may be nearing the end of its lifespan, it may flicker as a sign tightening the bulb is necessary or that it needs to be replaced.
2. Poor Electrical Connections: Another common cause of electricity flickering in the house is poor electrical connections. Loose or corroded wiring can disrupt the flow of electricity, leading to flickering lights and electrical fires. This issue is more prevalent in older homes or buildings with outdated electrical systems.
3. Voltage Fluctuations: Fluctuations in voltage can also contribute to flickering lights. When the voltage supplied to your home fluctuates, it can cause the lights to flicker. This can occur due to various reasons, such as power grid issues or large electrical appliances like washing machines drawing excessive power.
4. Overloaded Circuits: If you have multiple large appliances or devices connected to a single circuit breaker, it can overload the circuit and cause the lights to flicker. This is especially common in older homes with outdated wiring that may not have sufficient electrical capacity to handle the demands of modern technology.
5. Dimmer Switches: While dimmer switches are a great way to control the brightness of your lights, they can sometimes cause flickering issues. Incompatible bulbs or incorrect installation of dimmer switches can lead to flickering lights. It is important to ensure that the dimmer switch is compatible with the type of bulbs being used.
6. Faulty Light Switches: Faulty light switches can also be a culprit behind flickering lights. If the switch is worn out or damaged, it may not provide a consistent flow of electricity, resulting in flickering lights. Replacing the faulty flickering or dimming switch can often resolve the issue.
7. Electrical Panel Problems: In some cases, flickering lights can be a symptom of larger electrical load panel problems. If the electrical panel is outdated or overloaded, it may not be able to distribute electricity evenly, leading to flickering lights. It is advisable to consult a professional licensed electrician to assess and address any issues with the electrical panel.

If you are experiencing persistent flickering lights, it is recommended to call an electrician. They can diagnose the underlying electrical problem.

How to Fix Flickering Lights

Now that you know the most common causes of flickering lights, let's explore how to fix them.

Replace Faulty Light Bulbs

As mentioned earlier, a faulty light bulb is the most common cause of flickering lights. If you notice that only one light is flickering in home, try replacing the bulb with a new one. If the flickering stops, then the issue was likely just a bad bulb.

Tighten Loose Connections

If you suspect that loose electrical wiring connections are causing your lights to flicker, it's important to have a professional electrician inspect and repair them. Attempting to fix loose connections yourself can be dangerous and should only be done by a trained professional.

Balance the Load on Circuits

If you have too many devices or appliances plugged into one circuit, it can cause the lights to flicker. To fix this electrical issue, try unplugging some devices or appliances and see if the flickering stops. If not, you may need to have an electrician add additional circuits to your home.

Replace Faulty Light Switches

If you suspect that a faulty light switch is causing the flickering, it's best to have it replaced by a professional electrician. Attempting to replace a light switch yourself can be dangerous and should only be done by a trained professional to prevent fire hazards.

Install the Correct Dimmer Switch for LED Recessed Lights

If you have LED recessed lights and are experiencing flickering, it's important to make sure you have the correct dimmer switch installed. If not, you may need to have it replaced by a professional.

Contact Titus Electrical Services

We specialize in flickering lights and troubleshooting. If you are looking for an "electrician near me", or "Electrician Fort Collins", Titus Electrical is here to help. Our expertise in residential home electrical repair service and rewiring is vast. Reach out to us at 303-915-5771.