If you're a fan of horror movies, you know that whenever the lights flicker, it means something is wrong. But in real life, flickering lights mean that you need to call an electrician, not Ghostbusters. In some cases, flickering lights are nothing to fret about, but in others, they can indicate a serious problem.
Why Are My Lights Flickering? The Top Causes
Before you start worrying about your electrical system, know that it's sometimes normal for your lights to flicker a bit. For example, fluorescent bulbs flicker for a second when first switched on. Lights can also flicker if a bulb is loose — simply tighten the bulb, and you're good to go. However, if the flickering persists, it's time to do more in-depth troubleshooting.
1. Dimmer Switch Issues
Do you use a dimmer switch in your home? Dimmer switches are handy for setting the mood, but not all switches work with all types of bulbs. For instance, if you're using LED bulbs with a non-LED dimmer, you can expect some flickering. Usually, replacing the bulb with a compatible bulb will stop the flickering. If it doesn't, you might have a faulty light switch.
2. Old or Loose Wiring
If you own an older home and have never updated the electrical system, it could have outdated wiring. Wires degrade and become loose over time, resulting in an inconsistent power supply and flickering lights. If you see damaged or loose wiring, you need an electrician's help right away. If you don't fix the problem promptly, it can lead to a dangerous fire.
3. Voltage Fluctuations
Most homes run on a 120-volt circuit, and the voltage stays fairly steady. However, if the voltage regularly shoots to 125 or more, it indicates a major problem with your electrical system. Signs include lights that dim randomly, bulbs that burn out faster than normal, and lights that flicker when you're running large appliances like the dishwasher. An electrician can test your system with a voltmeter to identify the culprit.
4. A Circuit Overload
Do your lights flicker when you run several appliances at once? This is a surefire sign of an overloaded circuit. Circuits become overloaded when they can't handle the power demands of connected appliances — a problem common in older homes with outdated electrical systems. To fix the issue, you'll need to either move an appliance to a different circuit or upgrade your electrical system.
5. A Bad Breaker
Your home's circuit breaker is designed to protect against power surges and electrical fires. If your circuit breaker is going bad, you'll have more problems than just flickering lights. Other signs include buzzing or crackling noises from the breaker, a burning smell, outlets that are very hot to the touch, and frayed wires inside the breaker box.
If you're having any of these issues, call our certified electricians right away to avert a fire risk. At ARC Electric, we provide all of these diagnostic services. Give us a call to book your service today!