Have you noticed a few flickering lights in your home? You are not alone. If infrequent, light flickering is very common and may have a simple fix. If you are noticing consistent flickering, it might be time to call in a professional. Let’s talk about both the simple fixes and also when you might need to call in some help.
Simple Causes and Fixes
Loose Light Bulb
Sometimes, the simplest fix when a light bulb is flickering is to give it a good ole “righty-tighty”. Although it seems odd, lightbulbs that were once screwed in tight can loosen over time just like hardware in a chair or table. A tightening of the bulb may solve your problem in no time.
Large Appliance Usage
Another cause of infrequent flickering might be when a large appliance in your home requires substantial current or startup. When this happens, it can cause a voltage drop during startup which can cause your lights to briefly flicker on and off. As long as it is brief and infrequent, this type of flicker is not usually critical or something to worry about.
Check the Fixture Switch or Light Plug
If you are noticing the flickering with one lamp, try making sure that the plug is tight in the outlet. Unplugging and plugging it back in could work like a charm to stop the flickering.
Also, if flickering is in one room, you can try gently wiggling the light switch to see if that causes the light to flicker. If it does, there is your issue. Try turning the light switch on and off to see if that solves the problem. If that doesn’t solve it, the switch should be replaced.
Issues Beyond DIY
Overloaded Circuit
Although flickering when a large appliance turns on and off is not always cause for concern, it could be a sign of an overloaded circuit. If the flickering happens consistently instead of frequently and is severe or does not stop right away instead of being a brief flicker, there is an issue that needs to be addressed. Calling an electrician to identify the root of the problem is the right next step.
Loose or Outdated Wiring Connections
Loose or outdated wiring causes house fires on top of potentially causing your lights to flicker. If you are noticing increased flickering in your home but you haven’t made any changes to your electrical system, loose wiring could be to blame. A switch failure, loose fixture wiring, worn connectors in the breaker box, or loose service conductors in the main electrical panel could all be the culprits. An issue like this is something that needs to be addressed by a licensed electrician.
Lux Electric serves as a resource for all of your electrical needs. There is no need for common questions to go unanswered. Feel free to reach out to our team of experts with any questions today!
