Flickering lamps: what to do if the light flickers?
You come home from a tiring day, open the door to your apartment and suddenly the light in the hallway flickers. At first only very weakly, but then more and more violently. It even cracks and hisses in a frightening way. A flickering lamp can become a potential hazard if you don't repair it. In this article we will tell you how you can get control of flickering lamps again.
If the power is not supplied correctly due to defective wiring or there is a risk of overvoltage, lamps can ignite and cause a fire. In addition, the grounding may also be disturbed. If you try to replace light sources such as light bulbs, in the worst case scenario you could get a burn or an electric shock.
In addition, non-intact light sources can damage the electronics of the entire lamp damage. Higher energy consumption is also possible. There are various causes and solutions for the flickering of a lamp. Read here what you need to do if your lamp flickers.
A lamp that constantly flickers needs to be replaced or repaired
If a light flickers briefly, that doesn't mean you need to take immediate action. However, if this happens often and you notice that the light is not working properly, you should get to the bottom of the matter.
Defective lamps cause problems in the electrical circuit and can damage fuses. If you are walking down the stairs at night and the lights go out due to a fault, you could fall. A constantly flickering lamp should definitely be repaired so that no accidents occur.
Some insurance companies may not cover the costs incurred if a lamp caused a fire and was obviously defective for a long time. If you prefer to keep your hands off the electrical system, there are many service services that will look at the problem and provide you with a clear overview.
Problems and solutions for flickering light
In some cases, you can repair the lamp yourself or eliminate the cause of the flickering yourself. It is important that you do not put off the repair so that the problem does not get worse and other devices or lines are affected.
Fix a lamp flickering yourself
One reason why lamps flicker is, for example, the poor quality of an incandescent lamp or an LED lamp. Cheap materials and manufacturing components result in unstable circuits or inconsistent performance. The lamp can also break due to bad light sources and so you not only lose the light bulb, but also the entire lighting.
The solution: You can easily replace an old or poor-quality light bulb with a high-quality, new one.
If the lamp no longer flickers, the investment has definitely been worth it. Before replacing the bulb, be sure to break the circuit and turn off the lamp.
Replace bulbs that have long been outdated. Nowadays, instead of T8 fluorescent tubes, there are innovative LED light bulbs that offer an enormous service life of up to 50,000 hours and are very robust. EPTA lights, which are definitely flicker-free, are also a successful upgrade. They last up to 200,000 hours of operation and are a reliable light source for several years.
If the flickering is caused by the circuit
Incompatible network connections and drive components also cause your lamp to flicker. Inferior connections, cables and plugs prevent smooth power supply. When power surges occur and there is no appropriate buffer or protection, light sources flicker.
Because many devices such as microwaves, washing machines or toasters are connected to the same circuit, there are different voltages. A lamp that is not protected against overvoltage can burn out or flicker extremely.
The solution: Rely on high-quality bulbs and lamps with good, protected connections that ensure a smooth supply of energy.
It is best to buy modern LED lamps that are equipped with drivers or incandescent lamps with integrated grounding. This way you avoid power peaks and the lighting works optimally.
A screw loose
Another reason why lamps and LED bulbs flicker is an incorrect and loose screw connection in the lamp holder. Because of the leeway, the current cannot flow constantly. This causes the light source to overheat due to constant power interruption and the lamp flickers.
The solution: If the bulb is loose, twist it clockwise back into its socket to secure it.
This allows the current to flow constantly and the flickering disappears. However, do not tighten the bulb too tightly and wait until the bulb is no longer hot. LEDs have a clear advantage here because they naturally do not heat up.
Power plug as a trigger for flickering lamps
It can also be loose or no longer completely intact Power plug Make lamps flicker. Even if the bulb is working properly, there are fluctuations in the power supply. A loose contact with the connected cable or worn metal contacts no longer conduct the energy well to the lamp.
The solution: swap them Power plug the best!
Sockets work using so-called semiconductor technology and are usually difficult to repair on your own. However, defective sockets are dangerous and a significant safety risk. That's why you should replace them as quickly as possible so that no one gets hurt and no devices are damaged.
Check light switch
If your light flickers, a light switch could also be the cause. To check this, turn the switch on and off several times. If the light flickers or dims, you should replace the light switch.
The solution: change the light switch!
As an experienced electrician, you certainly know how to change a switch correctly. However, as a layperson, you should rely on the experience of professionals, as this technique requires crucial knowledge. The professional will replace the switch properly and ensure the correct and safe connection.
Old cables often lead to flickering problems
If you have electrical problems, such as a flickering lamp, an old cable could also be to blame. If the wiring is old, it may look good from the outside, but underneath the casing the cable may be damaged. These lines can lead to short circuits and electrical interference. This also increases the risk of cable fires, which can quickly spread to the entire facility. Outdated circuit breakers and plug connections also lead to fires in residential buildings.
The solution: Loose and defective cables must be replaced immediately!
To do this, completely switch off the power supply to the circuit and check all connections. Replace damaged wires and connectors and do not turn the power back on until everything is connected. If you are unsure about reinstalling, please contact a professional.
Problems with the power grid
Power fluctuations and an overloaded circuit are often noticeable as flickering lights. First and foremost, this is not the provider's fault. Operating several devices at the same time often causes overload, especially in old houses or negligently constructed new buildings. The lamp can then not only flicker, but also burn out. All fuses on the entire house connection then react and suddenly you may find yourself completely in the dark.
The solution: In this case, contact an electrician as soon as possible.
The power lines and all voltages must be checked to ensure that no devices break or electrical accidents occur. You can also use a voltmeter to check many lines beforehand and find out where the voltage is too high or the circuit is overloaded.
Use a surge protector when reinstalling lights and connectors. This helps to stabilize the power supply and minimizes risks. The flickering then stops again. Lamps can also flicker if they are fundamentally overheated. Excessive heat and also too much cold affect the functions of LED lamps and they begin to flicker. You should never install lamps in direct sunlight or in front of heaters and air conditioning systems. Then they won't flicker.
Lamp wear and corrosion
Lamp wear and corrosion can play a major role in causing your lamp to flicker. Lamps without moving elements are almost indestructible and long-lasting. However, materials wear out over time. For example, the central heating coil can lose voltage and leaky covers as well as porous cables can impair the function of the lamp in the long term.
Solution: Check an old lamp regularly and replace any components that are getting old!
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Conclusion
If a lamp starts to flicker, it can have many different causes. A loose light bulb and major damage to electrical wiring should always be repaired quickly to avoid risks. You can take care of minor damage or causes yourself without any problems. For major repairs to lines, generators and the house connection, you should definitely hire an expert.
In addition, you should have your power lines serviced regularly. This means that damage is detected in advance and you can enjoy your flicker-free lighting 100 percent.
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