While the cause may be benign, lights flickering may be also be a sign of bigger electrical issues. Play it on the safe a side. Get to the source of the issue as quickly as possible to prevent any potential damage or injury.
Why are My Lights Flickering?
By running some basic checks, you may be able to solve the issue quickly without needing to call an electrician. Lights flickering can be caused by a fluctuation in household voltage that causes the lights to dim momentarily. A variety of common issues can cause your lights to flicker, and understanding the specific causes will tell exactly what to do to solve it.
Sometimes the issue is as simple as adjusting an ill-fitting light bulb. Consistent flickering is an indication of a serious problem that poses risk of fire or exposure to electrical shock, so it is vital that you call in an electrician for to examine the situation and determine the best next course of action. An electrician can complete the following:
- Test your current. A common cause of flickering is an overloaded circuit from power-hungry appliances. Narrow down the overloaded circuit by unplugging all appliances and then plugging them back in one-by-one to see which one causes the stress. It may be time to replace an old appliance or upgrade your wiring to handle larger loads.
- Check if your switches are up to code. If you have dimmer switches, it is possible that they are the cause of the interference due to bulb compatibility and specialist wiring requirements. Check the switch grading against your bulbs and be sure to only purchase compatible bulbs.
- Repair loose and faulty wiring. Loose wiring is the most serious reason for flickering lights and a main cause of house fires. Faulty wiring connections create points of high resistance, which can cause unsafe levels of heat.
Contact Tim Kyle Electric
If lights flickering are a major concern in your home, contact Tim Kyle Electric. Providing residential electrical service in Owings Mills and the greater Baltimore area, we are available 24/7 to help you address any issues.