Q: What is causing my lights to flicker?
Few things are more annoying than a flickering light bulb. Sometimes these may be obviously “blinking” and sometimes it is a barely perceived flicker out of the corner of your eye. Aside from the annoyance factor many homeowners become concerned about the overall state of their home’s electrical system.
As electricians we often view these flickers as a canary in the coalmine, lighting is by far the most visible indicator of the electricity present in our homes so this is a common way for homeowners to see visible signs of an issue.
Mechanical vs. Technology Systems:
Modern appliances and new technology like LED light bulbs have introduced great advances but also made electrical systems more complicated.
Mechanical systems include things like common switches, breakers and physical wiring within your home. These items have relatively straightforward operation. A switch is either closed (off) or open (on) and the operation of the toggle itself determines its position and correct function. The same with a majority of wiring, if the connections are good, the system is functioning. A loose wire may break the physical (mechanical) flow of electricity but it can easily be fixed by reconnecting the wire.
Modern appliances and technology like new LED bulbs introduce as second layer of technology to the electrical system. These fixtures and appliance often include drivers or circuit boards to change or interpret the electrical feed. This technology is slightly different across even relatively simple things like the driver in a LED light bulb and it is being constantly updated or changed during the manufacturing process. As these technologies interact there can be even minor changes to the electrical system that result in things like a flickering bulb or other electrical issues.
What is causing the flicker?
Once normal mechanical faults have been eliminated we look at how technological components may be interacting. Because there is such a wide range of drivers, circuit boards and components these can conflict and cause a distortion in voltage or “noise”. Resolving conflicts like this may be as simple as changing a brand of light bulb used or replacing a fixture. This will solve the issue of noise in the system and everything should function correctly.
Tricks of the Trade:
The vast majority of electrical issues are still solved by basic troubleshooting techniques and electrician experience but changes in technology have introduced a few new tools for our kit. These help us monitor and identify issues that are more commonly related to technology faults or conflicts.
Far more accurate than a digital voltage meter, an electrical oscilloscope may be used to trace exact electrical usage. It provides a sine wave image of exactly what is happening in the voltage similar to a human EKG. Even a momentary disruption in voltage can help pinpoint the culprit causing the flicker.
We often also look at the quality of the electrical feed coming into the home as a way to eliminate possible reasons. A load bank test may be performed to isolate each individual circuit and examine them independently.
What should homeowners do?
A little prevention can go a long way here. As a first step, be aware of purchasing quality fixtures and light bulbs for your home. These don’t always have to be the most expensive but quality manufacturing from known brands tends to be more consistent and proven.
Do a little research on when the bulb is flickering. Does it only happen when the new dishwasher is running? Is it only one room or fixture? This information can help us pinpoint what is causing the problem.
It may seem obvious but we also suggest changing the bulb. It may be something as simple as a bad or incompatible driver in the light bulb itself. Replacing a $2 bulb is an easy option that may solve a bigger problem. If the bulb swap does not work or there are additional symptoms, you may need an electrician’s help.
Get an electrician involved:
Don’t let an intermittent flicker get the best of you. A majority of issues are still the more common mechanical things rather than technological incompatibility. One way or another we will get the issue resolved, our team loves a good mystery!
Scott Cummings leads the team at Dynamic Electric, a Hillsborough-based full service electrical provider for both residential and commercial needs. Dynamic Electric is dedicated to providing quality workmanship, outstanding service, reliable installation and safe repairs or troubleshooting for all their customers.
In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office at (919) 370-0056 or visit our website.
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