Why Your Lights May Flicker and Blink

Flickering lights are a common issue for many households. While they may seem like nothing more than a minor annoyance, the issue can be something that might require your immediate attention. Fortunately, in many cases, it’s easy to discern where the problem lies and what kind of repair your flickering lights might need. Whether your lights have been blinking and flickering only occasionally or for long periods, we’re here to help you get to the root of it.

Reasons Your Lights Are Flickering

Here’s why you may come across flickering lights from time to time and how you can get them fixed:

Loosening of Light Plug

If you notice the flickering issue in just one light or lamp, it could be because of a loose plug and outlet connection. To solve this, make sure the plug is properly placed in the wall socket. In case it’s not, unplug it first and then fix the metal prongs. Plug it back in, and the problem should be fixed.

An Issue with the Light Bulb

It’s not unusual for bulbs to either lose the connection with their socket or loosen up over time. When that happens, the flickering may occur in just one light. To fix this, try tightening the bulb. If it continues to flicker, you may need to replace it. The light flickering could also be associated with the type of bulb:

• LED Bulbs can flicker due to dimmer switches. To avoid this issue, make sure that you check the compatibility of the dimmer make and model before connecting it with the bulb.
• Fluorescent Bulbs are more prone to frequent flickering due to factors like bulbs burning out in the socket or cold temperatures. In the case of bulb burnout, make sure you replace the tubes to avoid flickering.

Circuit Overload

You may have noticed lights flickering, dimming, or blinking whenever you turn on appliances like your washing machine or air conditioner. This could be the case of circuit overload. When the flickering is infrequent, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if the flickering is constant, you might want to get it checked out. It could be due to bearing failure, sensory overload, or some other serious factor that would require immediate attention.

Wiring Issues

Flickering lights can also be a sign of faulty or old house wiring. This could be particularly dangerous because faulty wiring could lead to house fires. If repair hacks like tightening the plug, fixing the dimmer, and other quick fixes haven’t helped, you might want to get it checked by a professional.

Fluctuation of Voltage

Voltage fluctuations are one of the major reasons for consistent flickering lights, unpredictable dimming, or frequent light burnouts. To avoid this, make sure you use a voltmeter to ensure that your house always registers between 115-125 Volts. In case of major fluctuations, contact an electrician immediately.

Enlist the Help of an Electrician

As discussed, there can be many things that can cause flickering lights. While some issues can be fixed in a jiffy, others might require a thorough inspection. Prominent flickering may be the cause of a serious underlying electrical problem that may quickly escalate if ignored. So, if you think you need assistance with your flickering lights, contact us right away for a quick fix.