As a one-time occurrence, a flickering light bulb can be a spooky surprise that you simply shake off. However, if the problem persists, this can indicate that there’s a larger electrical problem in the works.
Do your lights keep flickering with no signs of stopping? You’ll want to resolve this issue as soon as possible to ensure your electrical system remains safe.
There are many potential reasons why your lights are flickering constantly. Sometimes this problem can have a quick, simple fix. In other cases, you may need to seriously overhaul your electrical system to prevent an electrical fire.
Are you ready to get started? Let’s go over what causes lights to flicker.
Loose Light Bulbs
When discussing what causes lights to flicker, it can be helpful to start with the basics. More often than not, if you notice flickering lights in your home, this can be fixed by tightening your light bulbs. If the bulb is loose in the socket, it will only get intermittent electrical power, which can cause it to blink in and out unexpectedly.
Have you tightened all your light bulbs? If so, remember to check your plugs as well. Loose light plugs can also cause flickering to occur.
Incompatible Light Bulbs
Do you use LED bulbs? If so, using LEDs with an incompatible dimmer switch could be why your lights are flickering constantly.
Most dimmer switches can’t handle the low electrical voltage of LED bulbs. If you think your LEDs could be causing this issue to occur, you may want to consider using different light bulbs or replacing your dimmer with a model that can accommodate them.
Overloaded Circuit
Are you still wondering what causes lights to flicker? Then, it might be time to look closer at your home’s electrical panel.
Believe it or not, your electrical system might be unable to handle all your appliances and devices. For example, if you have large appliances and notice flickering lights, you could be dealing with an overloaded circuit.
Many warning signs can indicate a circuit overload. Besides blinking light fixtures, be on the lookout for tripping circuit breakers, burning odors, and outlets that are warm to the touch. If you think an overloaded circuit breaker could be the culprit behind this problem, don’t hesitate to call an electrician for help. An expert might suggest installing a new circuit to fix the issue, among other suitable solutions.
Faulty Wiring
Damaged wiring is nothing to laugh about. Faulty or loose wiring is a major problem that could be why your lights are flickering constantly — and can also lead to serious house fires if you aren’t careful.
If you think your electrical system could have loose connections, contact a professional electrician as soon as possible. During an inspection, the electrician will look for loose service conductors. Afterward, they’ll provide you with a solution that will thoroughly address the problem. The longer you ignore the problem, the riskier the situation can become.
Have Electrical Problems? Call the Experts for Help!
Hopefully, this guide will help you understand why your lights are flickering constantly. Your electrical system is complicated, so it stands to reason that there are many potential reasons why this issue can occur.
Now that you know what causes lights to flicker, turn to Staley Electric for all of your electrical needs in Little Rock, AR, and the surrounding areas! We offer everything from outlet repairs to electrical panel replacements to keep your home safe and comfortable.
Whether you’re looking for a circuit breaker, outlet, or generator electrician, we have the solutions you’re looking for. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
