Many homeowners in Henryetta, OK, have made the switch to LED lights because they guarantee a longer-lasting energy-efficient performance than the alternatives. However, they have one downside: They can flicker sometimes.
What causes LED lights to flicker? As the top electricians in Henryetta, OK, we can tell you that diagnosing the problem isn’t always straightforward. It could be an easy DIY fix or one that will require tearing apart the circuitry. We’ll cover all the possible causes in this post.
Loose Connections
LED lights can flicker if they don’t fit snuggly in the socket. Any breakages in the contact consistency will lead to intermittent flickering with any slight bulb movement. Even recessed lights that are not dangling in the soft breeze can still flicker for this reason. Small vibrations can easily cause flickering.
If you suspect that your LED lights flicker due to a loose connection, you can steady the light by removing the bulb and screwing it in properly and a little bit tighter. Be careful to avoid cracking the bulb due to excessive force.
Similarly, the wiring supplying voltage to the specific socket may no longer be tightly connected to the socket head. Corrosion can throw things off balance. If the socket feels wobbly, you call an experienced Henryetta, OK, electrician to come take a look—and possibly replace the socket.
Use of Incompatible Dimmers
Many people wondering, “What causes LED lights to flicker?” often find out that they are using traditional dimmers for their LED lights. It doesn’t matter how long everything worked fine before; dimmer issues are sure to follow in that configuration.
Manufacturers designed traditional dimmers to work with high-wattage incandescent bulbs. These bulbs never go out entirely, even when the dimmer temporarily shuts off current because of their composition—hence that dimming effect.
LED lights, on the other hand, work differently. They go off completely once they stop receiving current. Therefore, using these old dimmers can lead to flickering between the dimming cycles.
Circuit Overload
Is your switchboard and the rest of the circuitry equipped to handle the number of appliances you have? If an imbalance exists somewhere, then flickering LED lights are one of the signs you’ll notice. If you can’t work out why your lights flicker, it may be time to call in an electrician to confirm that you don’t have an overloaded circuit.
Upgrading the switchboard doesn’t just keep the lights stable, but it can also protect your property from electrical hazards.
Poor Quality LEDs
Sometimes, the answer to “What causes LED lights to flicker?” is straightforward. Poor-quality LEDs generally have inferior components and lack the drivers to absorb voltage fluctuation. As a result, they tend to sustain damage during a minor surge, which will cause them to continue flickering for the rest of their lifespan.
In this scenario, there’s nothing you can do other than swapping out the affected bulbs for high-quality options from reputable manufacturers with ENERGY STAR ratings.
Driver Compatibility Issues
LEDs run on low-voltage DC power. Therefore, a driver must convert the AC power from your home to the proper voltage. If the driver is not compatible with your LED bulb, the light will flicker due to the inconsistency in the power supply.
You can expect this problem if you’ve already replaced your older lighting systems with LEDs without a professional analysis of your circuitry. Many older circuits were designed to work with halogen and incandescent bulbs. Therefore, their transformers and drivers may fail to meet the needs of LED lights.
Calling in an electrician to evaluate your circuit and upgrade to a compatible LED driver can get your lights working normally again.
Mechanical Damage and External Influence
What causes LED lights to flicker all around your house? It’s one thing to have a couple of light bulbs flicker; it’s another thing to have all the lights and even wall sockets flicker. The latter is a clear sign of a wider problem with the main supply line.
Don’t be surprised to look outside and find that the wind has blown a branch into the main supply lines or that a small animal has been electrocuted! In this scenario, turn off the switchboard and call your utility company right away.
Comprehensive Solution to Your Electrical Problems in Henryetta, OK
Are you still wondering, “What causes LED lights to flicker?” Do you need help resolving the issue permanently? Call Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric today!
Further Reading: Electrical requirements for HVAC function.
