Why are your lights flickering so frequently? Electricity is essential to keeping your house secure and comfortable. The safety of your family, your house, and your well-being can all be affected if an electrical problem occurs. Even though flickering lights may appear to be a minor issue, they could be a sign of a much more severe condition.

If your lights are flickering, you may try some simple fixes before calling in a professional. However, a more serious electrical problem may necessitate the assistance of a trained specialist to resolve the issue. If you see your lights flickering or blinking, keep an eye out for the following frequent causes:

Issues with the Light Bulbs Themselves

There may be a loose bulb or a wrong type of bulb to blame if the flickering only occurs in one light.   Over time, bulbs may loosen their connection to a socket and eventually stop working altogether.  

Consider the flickering of fluorescent bulbs if you plan to use them in your home. Fluorescent and CFL bulbs don’t always function well with dimmer controls. The LED bulb must be compatible with your dimmer switch if you’re using it with an LED bulb. It’s also possible to upgrade your dimmer switch to handle LED lamps.

Congested Systems

Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights may be a sign of an overloaded circuit. Large appliances such as air conditioners and washing machines can draw more electricity than your circuits are designed to manage.  If this is the case, you will not be able to use all of your appliances at the same time.  

Light Switches that do not Work

Poor wiring between a light switch and a bulb is frequently blamed for making the lights flicker or even go out entirely. Adjust the light switch to see whether this is the problem you’re having. Alternatively, you can turn the switch on and off and see whether the problem has been solved. If not, it’s time to shop for a new switch.

Tighten the Electrical Connections

Faulty electrical connections can cause flickering lights, but they can also put people at risk of a house fire. Loose wiring can be hazardous in any part of the house, regardless of where it is discovered. Electrical currents can overheat and pose a hazard to your entire home if light switches, outlets, and other areas have loose electrical connections. A qualified electrician must replace any damaged or faulty wiring or electrical components as soon as possible.

Inconsistency in the Voltage

Although some volatility is to be expected, the voltage in your home should always be between 115 and 125 volts. If your lights flicker because of a voltage fluctuation, you may notice these symptoms:

• When you run a large appliance, you’ll notice a constant flickering.
• Continued Flickering after appliances has been turned off.
• Frequently failing light bulbs. Darkness appears out of nowhere.

If your voltage is above 125, you’ve figured out the problem in most cases. But, it’s up to your electrician to determine the best solution for your voltage problems.

How can I tell which lights are flickering?

How many lights are flickering, or is it just one in a certain area? Flickering lights on a circuit can indicate a bad connection or a loose wire. If multiple lights in your home flicker at random, the issue may be with the electrical panel or outdated wiring. Flickering lights should be investigated by an electrician since aluminum and copper wiring can create disastrous electrical fires.

Conclusion

Lights can flicker for various reasons. Common causes of flashing lights may include loose fixture connections, old or bad wiring, malfunctioning switches, circuit overloads or electrical panel faults; even utility service issues can  contribute. So, when in doubt, call an electrician to check your flickering lights and electrical needs.