Flickering lights may signal underlying͏ electrical problems like circuit overloads ͏and faulty wiring that require professional attention. Professional electricians have the expertise and equipment to protect themselves and your appliances from electrocution or shorting when fixing flickering lights. Here are some of͏ the ways electricians deal with flickering͏ lights:
Tighten and Fix Connections
Loose wire connections develop from improper installation, regular wear and ͏tear, and physical disturbances to the electrical connection. Loose wires can cause an inconsistent ͏fl͏ow of electrical current to light fixtures in the house. This issue causes electrical arcing͏, where electricity flows through an unintended path and creates a short spark ͏or arc.
Electricians identify loose or improperly connected wires, particularly at junction p͏oints, outlets, and switches. They secure these connections by ͏tightening screws that attach to power outlets and wire nuts. The electrician inspects and tests outlets and plugs and replaces worn or damaged outlets with new and secure͏ units.
Stabilize Voltage
Fluctuating ͏voltage impacts the stability of your home’s electrical system and causes lights to dim or brighten momentarily. ͏A common cause of fluctuating voltages is load variations. Turning multiple appliances on or off repeatedly affects the ͏overall voltage since they draw different amounts of electrical current. This repeated electrical drain leads to premature failure or damage to electrical ͏components with smaller loads, like light fixtures.
Fluctuating voltage also results from insufficient cable carrying capacity. Insufficient cable carrying capacity refers to ͏the situation where the electrical cables͏ in a system cannot handle the electrical load they must carry. This issue often arises due to modifications made to the electrical system that stress the house’s electrical load.
An electrician diagnoses voltage fluctuations using specialized tools like voltmeters and oscilloscopes. These instruments measure the electrical supply over time to identify patterns and pinpoint the sources of fluctuation. The technicians install voltage͏ regulators or power conditioners to stabilize the voltage. They might also recommend redistributing loads across different circuits to minimize the impact of multiple appliances turning on and off.
Reduce Circuit Overload
Overloaded circuits occur when too many ͏devices draw power from and exceed the capacity of a single͏ outlet. This excessive demand causes the circuit breaker to trip, leading to flickering lights as the system struggles to distribute sufficient power. Faulty wiring also causes circuit overloads, as damaged and corroded cables are less efficient at conducting electricity.
An electrician uses load calculators to determine the safe capacity of each circuit and compares it to the actual load. They redistribute devices and appliances across multiple circuits, install additional circuits, or upgrade the electrical panel to handle a higher capacity. The electrician repairs or replaces the damaged wires so that the circuit handles its intended electrical load safely. An electrician might͏ recommend installing additional circuits if the house’s electrical demand is too high for the existing circuits.
Install Compatible Dimmer Switches
Incompatible dimmer switches may cause flickering in light-emitting diode͏ (LED) bulbs. Incandescent bulbs use more electricity to generate brighter light. Dimmer switches for ͏incandescent bulbs work by interrupting the flow of electricity to reduce the amount of power reaching the͏ ͏filament to dim the light. LED bulbs rely͏ on sophisticated internal circuitry to convert electricity into light. This circuitry uses a ͏consistent direct current (DC) flow at a specific voltage.
Older dimmer ͏switches might not͏ work with͏ LEDs’ lower wattage and unique electrical characteristics. An electrician will switch the older dimmers with modern ones that provide the correct electrical modulation for LEDs. These dimmers accommodate the lower wattage of LED bulbs and reduce flickering due to high electrical loads.
Upgrade Wiring
Your house’s electrical wires͏ become worn over time due to age, corrosion, or physical damage. This wear and tear results in poor conductivity, intermittent power delivery, and flickering lights. Older wiring systems may lack the capacity to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances and lighting.
An electrician will look for signs of wear, corrosion,͏ and damage and test the conductivity of the wiring. Some older houses have aluminum͏ wiring that cannot handle higher loads. The ͏technician will ͏upgrade ͏the home to copper wires that͏ last longer and are better suited to handle strong electrical currents.
Find Reputable ͏Electricians
If you’re experiencing flickering lights or other issues, search for an electrician who offers rewiring, remodeling, and light fixture maintenance services. Experienced, licensed, insured technicians have the necessary training, equipment, and͏ coverage to perform high-quality electrical work safely. Contact an electrician near you today to learn more about their services.
