Why do my lights flicker?

24 June 2021

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Flickering lights in your home are a normal occurrence. In fact, the cause of flickering lights is usually nothing to worry about. However, there are some instances in which this could be a symptom of a major electrical problem in your home, so it is important you know the differences between major and minor lighting issues. However, the fact that this is a common occurrence should not prevent you from seeking the help of a licensed electrician.

Why are my lights flickering?
Lights can flicker for a variety of reasons, and a PERL Electrician can help you get to the bottom of the problem and keep you and your home or business safe. The most common source of a flickering light is an issue with the bulb itself or a connection between the bulb and the light fixture. Other causes can include loose fixture connections, faulty or old wiring, faulty switches, circuit overloads, problems with the meter box or electrical panel, or even utility service issues.
If the lights in your home flicker on occasion even after replacing a light bulb, there are a couple of questions that you should consider before calling an electrician, as these questions will help an electrician identify the root of the problem.

Questions to ask include:
When do the lights flicker?
It is important to consider when your lights flicker and any patterns that might lead to these situations. Do the lights flicker when a large appliance is on, such as an HVAC or Spa pool or do they seem to flicker at random? If the lights only dim slightly when a large appliance turns on, this is normal and usually harmless. Large appliances draw large amounts of power to start up and can interrupt power to other circuits until they get up to full speed, which shouldn’t take more than a few seconds. Dimming time can vary depending on the conductor size of the appliance, the distance from the transformer that feeds your home, and the electrical characteristics of the appliance itself. If your lights dim and flicker, it may be indicative of a larger problem and you should get this resolved by an electrician.

Which lights flicker?
Is it only one light fixture or set of lights in a certain area or do all of the lights in the house flicker? If the lights on one specific circuit flicker, this could indicate an issue such as a loose wire or broken connection point. If different lights throughout the house flicker at different times, there could be an issue with the electrical mains panel, or the wiring could be antiquated. Because of the potential risk to lives and property it is important to have an electrician inspect any flickering lights.

If you would like to learn more answers to why your lights are flickering, or to find out about our services, please call one of our licensed electricians at PERL ELECTRICAL so we can answer your questions.

Need a PERL Electrician to check out your flickering lights? Find a local Electrician, 24 hours a day | PERL Electrical

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