Why Your Lights Are Flickering And How To Fix The Issue

Flickering lights may indicate underlying electrical faults that could cause more significant concerns if left unchecked. Sometimes the cause is more worrying, even if it could be anything as simple as a loose lightbulb or a fluctuating power grid. For example, a relatively common cause, faulty wiring, is frequently simple to correct. These electrical anomalies could cause serious problems. A slight inconvenience could turn into a serious situation, such as an electrical fire or even an electric shock. For this reason, it's critical to take action, as a major safety concern is indicated if the lights in your home are flickering. You need to learn more about the causes of your flickering lights and how to resolve the problem. 

What Causes Flickering Lights And How To Fix Them?

If you have a single lightbulb or multiple flickering lights in your home, you may save a great deal of trouble by figuring out what might be the cause and how to fix it. Here is a list of some typical causes for flickering lights and solutions. 

Loose Bulbs

One of the simplest things to look for when your lights are flickering is a loose bulb. That unpleasant flicker may result from a wobbly connection between the bulb and the socket caused by an improperly screwed-in bulb. In order to rectify it, switch off the light and, if it has been on, allow the bulb to cool. After that, carefully screw the lightbulb back in until it fits snugly. Examine whether the bulb is damaged if tightening it doesn't stop the flickering. Occasionally, a defective lightbulb is the cause, and replacing it could resolve the issue. With LED lights, this is particularly crucial because they can be sensitive about compatibility with outdated fittings. 

Overloaded Circuit

Similar to voltage fluctuation, when you turn on heavy appliances, an overloaded circuit may cause the lights to fade or flicker. This will probably just have an impact on the circuit that the big appliance is plugged into or the room you are in. A transient dimming or flicker might not be a significant concern, but if it persists for an extended period of time, it suggests a serious problem. To find out if you have an overloaded circuit, call an electrician and fix it immediately. Circuit overload is a serious safety risk.

Dusty Or Dirty Sockets

Dust may eventually build up on your lights' surfaces and seep into the socket. Your flickering light bulbs could be caused by dirt if you haven't cleaned your lighting fixtures in a while. This is a great time to clean and remove any dirt that has accumulated in and around the sockets. To thoroughly clean the sockets, it is preferable to unscrew the bulbs first. Additionally, before cleaning the light sockets, make sure to switch off the electricity.

Faulty Wiring

A big issue that could be the cause of your lights' continual flickering is loose or defective wiring, which, if left unchecked, can result in devastating house fires. Get in touch with a qualified electrical service right away if you suspect loose connections in your electrical system. The electrician will search for loose service conductors during an examination. Following that, they will give you a remedy that will fully deal with the issue. The scenario may get riskier the longer you neglect the issue.

Power Fluctuations

Lights may occasionally flicker due to power variations. Usually, these variations occur during periods of high power demand, such as when large appliances are operating or when usage is at its highest, such as when an air conditioner is operating at full capacity in the middle of the afternoon on a humid day. In situations where there is that kind of high electricity demand, the flickering could become more apparent. If you think power outages are the cause, you may need to monitor your house's electrical consumption or contact your utility provider. To better control these variations, they can determine whether there are any problems with the power source or recommend installing a whole-house surge protector.

Dimmer Switch Compatibility Issues

Flickering may also occur if your lights are connected to a dimmer, particularly if the switch is incompatible with the kind of light bulbs you're using. You may notice some flickering or perhaps hear buzzing if you're using newer LEDs because older dimmer switches were designed for incandescent lamps. This can be resolved by either switching to bulbs that are suitable for your existing dimmer or replacing your dimmer with a model that supports LED bulbs. More recent dimmer switches are frequently configurable to accommodate various bulb types.

Main Connection Issues

Flickering may be caused by issues with the main electrical connection in your house. This may involve problems with the main service cable connections or the meter box. At this stage, electrical system issues are frequently complicated and need to be handled by a licensed electrician.

Utility Issues

Flickering lights might occasionally be caused by issues with your utility service. Your lights may flicker due to problems such as variations in voltage or disruptions in the utility company's power supply. This may also be a sign of an impending brownout or blackout. Contact your supplier if you believe that problems with utility services could be the reason. They can look for any outages or service issues that might be affecting your house. To address the flickering, they may occasionally need to repair or upgrade their equipment. 

Conclusion

You should never overlook flickering lights at your residence, even if you don't think there is something immediately alarming about them. A flickering light may seem like a little inconvenience, but it's always better to be cautious than regretful. Dimming or flickering lights may indicate a more serious problem that could result in accidents, fires, or even fatalities. To keep your family safe and avoid having to renovate your entire house in the event of a fire, a basic home electrical investigation is well worth the cost. Relying on qualified electricians is the only method to identify the underlying problem and find a safe and efficient solution to keep you and your house safe. 
 

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Dubai, Wadi Maareb Technical Services has grown to be a reputable name in Jebel Ali, Dubai, for electrical installation and maintenance services. We provide a full variety of services that include designing, sales, installation, and maintenance of all kinds of electrical and communication equipment, and we cater to a wide range of projects, from huge industrial sites to private residences. Our knowledge in automated industrial process plants, commercial, and institutional settings guarantees the provision of top-notch services at affordable costs. Wadi Maareb's highly qualified professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional service and sustaining enduring client relationships by making sure that every electrical system runs as safely and effectively as possible. Contact us at 04 889 5690 to book our services!