10 Reasons Why The Lights In Your Home Are Flickering

The flickering of lights in a home can be very annoying. Not only is it jarring to the eyes, but it can also be a sign that there is an issue with the electrical system in the home. While some causes of flickering lights are benign, others can be indicative of a more serious problem.

According to electrician Central Coast owner Calvin Hudson, light flickering is often caused by loose electrical connections or overloading circuits. These problems are usually easy to fix and pose no danger to your home or family. However, if the flickering is accompanied by sparks or smoke, it could be a sign of an electrical fire.

If you see sparks or smoke accompany the following list, immediately turn off the power to the affected circuit at the breaker box and call a qualified electrician.

1. Loose light bulbs: If a light bulb is loose in its socket, it can cause the light to flicker. This is because the electrical connection is not as secure as it should be. Tightening the light bulb can often fix the issue.

2. Faulty light switch: A faulty light switch can also cause flickering. This is because the switch is not making a secure connection with the electrical circuit. Replacing the light switch is typically the best solution.

3. Loose electrical wires: If there are any loose electrical wires in the home, they can cause flickering lights. This is because the wire is not making a secure connection with the electrical circuit. It is important to have loose wires fixed by a qualified electrician to avoid any potential hazards.

4. Overloaded circuits: If an electrical circuit is overloaded, it can cause the lights to flicker. This happens when too many devices are plugged into one circuit or when one device draws too much power from the circuit. The best way to fix this issue is to redistribute the load onto other circuits.

5. Dimmer switches: Dimmer switches can cause flickering lights if they are not compatible with the light bulbs that are being used. This is because dimmer switches work by reducing the amount of power that is going to the light bulb. If the light bulb is not designed to work with a dimmer switch, it can cause flickering. Replacing the light bulbs with ones that are compatible with dimmer switches can often fix the issue.

6. Faulty electrical outlet: If an electrical outlet is loose or damaged, it can cause flickering lights. This is because the outlet is not making a secure connection with the electrical circuit. It is important to have loose or damaged outlets fixed by a qualified electrician to avoid any potential hazards.

7. Power surges: Power surges can cause flickering lights by momentarily increasing the amount of power that is going to the electrical circuit. This can happen when lightning strikes near a power line or when a large appliance is turned on. Unplugging all devices from the circuit can often fix the issue.

8. Incandescent light bulbs: Incandescent light bulbs can cause flickering lights if they are loose in their sockets. This is because the filament inside the light bulb is not making a secure connection with the electrical circuit. Tightening the light bulb can often fix the issue.

9. Fluorescent light bulbs: Fluorescent light bulbs can cause flickering lights if they are not properly seated in their sockets. This is because the gas inside the light bulb can cause the electrical connection to be intermittent. Reseating the light bulb can often fix the issue.

10. Metal halide light bulbs: Metal halide light bulbs can cause flickering lights if they are not properly seated in their sockets. This is because the metal halide inside the light bulb can cause the electrical connection to be intermittent. Reseating the light bulb can often fix the issue.

If you are experiencing flickering lights, it is important to determine the cause so you can take appropriate corrective action. Otherwise, you could be putting your home at risk for an electrical fire. If you are unable to figure out why your lights are flickering, be sure to contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible. These professionals have the expertise and equipment needed to resolve your power issues safely.