Minor electrical quirks if ignored can in the long run result in devastating consequences like fires or a short-circuit. And, one of the most common issues that homeowners experience is flickering wall lights.
As such, you should familiarize yourself with common causes of this problem, learn how to identify and solve them quickly. This will help you to maintain a beautiful home ambiance and light design while enhancing overall safety. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t know how to handle this lighting issue.
Eager to know more? This article highlights troubleshooting options for flickering lights and how to resolve the problem effectively.
Why Your Wall Lights Flicker
There are several issues you may encounter with your lighting products. But, flickering wall lights can be the most frustrating of them all.
Nearly 500 people lose their lives every year from home electrical fires in the U.S. As such, it’s an issue that calls for immediate attention. Flickering wall lights also interfere with the home’s atmosphere and cause eye strain. They typically point to a problem in your home’s wiring system.
Listed below are potential causes and practical solutions.
Loose Bulb Connection
Poor contact between the bulb and socket can cause your wall lights to flicker. This is especially common for fixtures that aren’t screwed in. Dirty sockets can also cause your wall lights to flicker
Thankfully, the solutions are relatively straightforward. Turn off your lights and secure the bulb in place. Depending on the design, you can tighten it or push it in for those with peg and pin bases.
Also, routinely clean your fixtures and sockets. Proper care of your lighting products is a sure way to enhance their performance and promote durability.
Poor Wiring System
If the bulb keeps flickering after tightening it, it may be time to call in the pros. More often than not, it indicates that there’s a poor wiring connection within your home’s electricity system.
Faulty wiring connections can be risky because if any voltage drop occurs, short-circuiting can easily happen. Be aware that it’s a major cause of electrical fires.
The issue can stem from different areas of the circuit. Sometimes, it may even occur in the electrical panel. A professional electrician can accurately pinpoint the cause, identify whether the issue is isolated or the damage has spread, and advise accordingly. Even better, they have the right tools and equipment to help you fix the issue.
Light Bulb and Dimmer Switch Compatibility Issues
If you’ve installed dimmer switches in your home, there’s a chance that the bulb you’ve selected for your wall lights isn’t compatible. This is especially true for LED bulbs.
To operate effectively, you must ensure that select the correct dimmer switch model. If they don’t match, your wall lights are likely to start flickering.
Be aware that not all LED bulbs are dimmable. And, old dimmer switch models are only ideal for incandescent light sources due to their high voltage supply. LEDs are typically low wattage. Using an old dimmer switch with the bulb will likely cause it to burn out.
Insufficient Power Output by the Electrical Panel
Limited power supply by the panel can cause LED bulbs to flicker due to their sensitivity to voltage drops. However, if your wall lights use fluorescent lighting, flickers may signify wear and tear. Choosing to replace them with high-quality bulbs can help resolve the issue.
Your lights can also flicker when you overload your circuit because the electrical panel isn’t able to meet the demand. Large fixtures like the washing machine and air conditioner consume a lot of power to start up.
As a result, there’s often a voltage drop in other appliances like your wall lights which can cause them to flicker. While this isn’t a major concern, it’s best to upgrade your home’s electrical system to match the demand to avoid such issues.
Electrical Utility Service Issues
If all the wall lights within your home are flickering, the issue may lie with the utility service provider. Things like grid fluctuations or low transformer capacity are potential causes. In this instance, you must promptly reach out to them and file a report for assistance.
You can also call in a certified electrician to help diagnose the issue. They can use a multimeter or voltage tester to analyze the current’s flow. If the voltage is too high, they’ll recommend that you notify the provider.
A fault in the electrical panel or outdated wiring can also cause this issue. If during inspection the technician realizes that there’s loose wiring in the unit, they’ll also advise that you call the utility service. The law bars them from repairing your service connection.
Mains Connection Issues
The primary electrical cables connected to your home’s electrical system can develop faults. If you can’t establish a pattern when inspecting the flickering wall lights the problem is likely in the mains connection.
Contact an electrician so they can come to inspect the issue. Don’t try to DIY this task. It involves handling high voltage wires which can be risky.
Faulty Switches
Over time, the components of your power switch can wear down resulting in a poor connection. Broken switches can result in flickering wall lights.
If you think this might be the issue, it’s best to consult an electrician. They’re properly equipped to handle this issue and can sort it out in little to no time.
Call in the Pros
Electrical issues can be risky. While one loose bulb connection can easily be fixed, a widespread issue signifies a bigger problem. It could be a circuit issue, a faulty electrical panel, or a loose connection in the mains. These problems need pros for better handling.
Promptly reach out to a licensed electrician and let him inspect your home’s wiring system. They can reconnect loose wires or replace outdated power cables to help fix the issue. If it isn’t within their forte, they can advise accordingly.
Flickering wall lights are a tell-tale sign that your home’s electrical system has an issue that needs to be investigated. Quick responses may mean the distinction between preventing a potential home fire and devastating losses. For more tips on maintaining your lighting, visit our wall lights collection.