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If you’re wondering why your LED lights are flickering, this article has got you covered. We’ll explore the common causes of LED flicker and provide tips on how to fix the issue. Don’t let flickering LED lights ruin your ambience; read on to find out more.
We’ve all been there. You walk into a room, flip on the light switch, and are assaulted with an unholy flicker.
Why does this happen, and is there anything we can do about it? Join me as we explore the causes of LED light flickering and some potential solutions.
This article highlights 11 of the most common issues that lead to flickering LED lights and proposes potential solutions to the problem.
Also read: How to get a ceiling fan supply and installed?
Why Do LED Lights Flicker? Understanding the Technical Reasons
1. Faulty Drivers
An LED driver not only manages electrical current but also acts as a protective cushion.
LEDs are typically supplied with one of two types of drivers: either constant voltage or constant current. The constant voltage LED driver is specifically designed to maintain the efficiency of lights that require a consistent DC voltage to function correctly.
The constant current LED driver is responsible for ensuring everything functions well in the p-n junction.
If the drivers are faulty, they will more likely deteriorate from the heat over time, causing the LED lights they supply to flicker.
2. Loose connections of the bulb or the circuit
If you are suffering from LED light flickers, a common cause is the circuit connections. If the circuit wires were fixed loosely to the bulb, the current flowing through the loose points would cause the light to flicker.
3. Poor Electrical Wiring
Another cause of flickering related to wiring is poor electrical circuiting work, which might occur at different points in the house, in junction boxes, at the breaker in the panel, or at different endpoints.
These loose wires can lead to flickering bulbs, and retightening the connections can often solve this problem.
4. Using Incompatible Dimmer Switches with the LED lights
Dimmer incompatibility is another common cause of light flickering. Sometimes, when using old dimmers installed with halogen fixtures on replaced LED lights, the dimmers could cause the LED lights to flicker.
Always make sure that the dimmers used are compatible with your LED lights.
5. Dirty Sockets
The problem with flickering light can sometimes be as simple as accumulated dust on the light bulb sockets.
When left unremoved, the dust can pile up in the socket and interfere with the current flow into the bulb, leading to flickering. Regularly maintaining and cleaning the sockets and bulbs can avoid this problem altogether.
6. Using Non-Dimmable LED Lights on LED Dimmers
Attempting to dim non-dimmable LED lights using LED dimmers can cause the bulbs to flicker.
This method of operation can also reduce the lifespan of the LED bulbs and disrupt their function. Make sure you use dimmable lights with LED dimmers to maintain the quality of your bulbs and avoid flickering.
7. Overloaded Circuits
This cause is not a direct result of the operation of the lights but, more generally, of the full energy consumption in your household.
If your meter box is fitted with appliances up to its full capacity, and all the devices operate at the same time, this can cause the lights to flicker.
This is because running appliances draw varying amounts of current during their operation, which can strain the meter box’s full current, ultimately drawing some of the current away from the lights.
If more current is needed, the circuits will overload.
You can hire an electrician to check your meter box and its capacity to meet your energy demands. Ensure you get a meter box with a higher rating if your current one doesn’t meet your needs.
This will also help you avoid possible electrical hazards.
8. Cheap LEDs
It is wise to purchase and install economic and price-competitive options for lighting. However, what you might gain on the price may be lost on the quality of the bulbs.
Cheap LED lights generally have a high frequency, which can interfere with the bulb’s operation and cause flickering.
Additionally, cheap lights might have sub-standard parts, which could cause connection problems and lead to flickering.
9. Surge in wattage
The power wattage affects how your LED light works.
If, for instance, you connect an appliance that requires a high power load along with the LED lights on the same circuit, you may experience flickering.
This is because repeated surges slowly wear down the LED drivers and cause problems over time.
10. Electric Utility Service Issue
If you are experiencing flickering lights throughout the neighbourhood, the problem may be a direct result of the electrical utility.
Talk to your neighbours to check if this is a common problem and report the issue to the utility.
11. Fluctuations in the power grid
This is one of the most common reasons for LED lights flickering at home. The most effective way to troubleshoot this cause is by alternating the locations of the LED lights to check if they still flicker.
How To Fix Flickering Lights?
Flickering lights are not only annoying, but they can also be a sign of a bigger problem. Here are four ways to fix flickering lights:
✓ Check the bulbs
If you notice that your lights are flickering, the first thing you should do is check the bulbs.
Make sure they are screwed in tightly and that the contact points are clean. If the problem persists, it could be a sign of loose wiring.
Loose wiring can be a fire hazard, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible.
✓ Check the sockets
One possibility is that the bulbs are loose in their sockets.
This can be easily fixed by screwing the bulbs in tighter. Another possibility is that the bulbs are old and need to be replaced. Flickering can also be caused by faulty wiring or loose connections.
If you’re not comfortable working with electrical systems, it’s best to call an electrician to take a look.
✓ Check the cord
If a bulb is flickering, it could be due to a loose connection in the cord. To fix this, unplug the light and check the cord for any loose wires.
If you find any, twist the wires together and screw on a wire connector. Once the connection is secure, plug the light back in and turn it on. If the bulb is still flickering, try replacing it with a new one.
✓ Clean the contacts
Over time, dirt and dust can build up on lightbulb contacts, causing them to flicker.
In most cases, the fix is as simple as cleaning the contacts. Start by disconnecting the affected fixture from the power source.
Then, use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris from the light socket and bulb.
If the contacts are filthy, you can use a cotton swab dipped in vinegar or rubbing alcohol to clean them.
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Flickering LED Lights – Common Questions Answered
Are flickering LED lights dangerous?
Flickering LED lights can be dangerous to both electricity and health. Flickering lights may come from problems with the driver circuit.
Some circuits don’t give a steady flow of power. This causes the lights to blink quickly. Even if the flicker can’t be seen, it can cause eye strain, headaches, and discomfort.
People who are more sensitive to light changes are more affected. Flickering can also show more significant problems like loose wires or circuits taking too much power. This can lead to overheating and fires.
To avoid these problems, use good quality LED drivers and technology that stops flickering. It is essential to ensure safety and reduce the risks.
Why is my ceiling light flickering?
Imagine settling down for a peaceful evening, only to be distracted by the unsettling pulse of an unstable ceiling light—frustrating, right?
That’s why timely troubleshooting is crucial, ensuring a well-lit home and peace of mind.
A flickering ceiling light can be more than just an annoyance—it often signals an underlying electrical issue that requires attention.
In most cases, the problem stems from a loose bulb, faulty wiring, or voltage fluctuations, each of which can compromise both safety and efficiency.
It might also react to an unstable power supply or an incompatible dimmer switch. However, persistent flickering of your ceiling light could indicate deeper issues, like a failing ballast or aging electrical connections, which might lead to potential hazards if left unchecked.
Why do my lights flicker every night at the same time?
If your lights flicker at a specific time each night, it could be due to a surge in electrical demand from nearby homes or businesses.
This often happens when heavy appliances, like air conditioners or industrial equipment, turn on or off in your area. It could also be a sign of voltage fluctuations in the power grid, a faulty circuit, or loose wiring in your home.
Do LED lights flicker when burning out?
Yes, LED lights can flicker as they near the end of their lifespan, but not in the same way as traditional incandescent bulbs.
This flickering is often caused by a failing driver, degraded capacitors, or inconsistent current flow.
