You come home from a stressful day, open the front door and suddenly the light in the hallway flickers. Very faintly at first, but then more and more intense. It even cracks and hisses frighteningly. A flickering lamp can be a potential source of danger if you don't repair it. In this article, we show you how to get flickering lamps under control again.
If the current is not applied correctly due to faulty wiring or there is a risk of overvoltage, lamps can ignite and cause a fire. The earthing can also be disturbed. If you want to replace light sources such as light bulbs, the worst that can happen is that you can get a burn or an electric shock.
In addition, intact light sources can damage the electronics of the entire lamp. damage. Higher energy consumption is also possible. There are therefore various causes and solutions for the flickering of a lamp. Read here what you need to do if your lamp flickers.
If a light flickers briefly, this does not mean that you need to act immediately. However, if this happens frequently and you notice that the light is not working properly, you should get to the bottom of it.
Faulty lamps cause problems in the electrical circuit and can damage fuses. If you are walking down the stairs at night and the lighting fails due to a fault, you could fall. A constantly flickering lamp should therefore definitely be repaired to prevent accidents.
Some insurance companies may not cover the costs incurred if a lamp has caused a fire and has obviously been defective for some time. If you prefer to keep your hands off the electrics, there are many services that will look at the problem and restore a clear view.
In some cases, however, you can repair the lamp yourself or rectify the cause of the flickering yourself. It is important that you do not delay the repair so that the problem does not get worse and affect other devices or cables.
One reason why lamps flicker is, for example, the inferior quality of an incandescent lamp or an LED lamp. Cheap materials and production components lead to unstable circuits or inconsistent performance. The lamp can also break due to poor light sources, meaning that you not only lose the bulb, but also the entire lighting system.
The solution: You can easily replace an old or inferior light bulb with a high-quality new one.
If the lamp no longer flickers, the investment will have been worthwhile in any case. Before replacing the bulb, make sure that you disconnect the circuit and switch off the lamp.
Replace long outdated light sources. Nowadays, instead of T8 fluorescent tubes, there are innovative LED 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 operating hours and are a reliable light source for several years.
Incompatible network connections and drive components also cause your lamp to flicker. Inferior connections, cables and plugs prevent a smooth power supply. If power surges occur and there is no appropriate buffer or protection, light sources will flicker.
Because many appliances such as a microwave, washing machine or toaster are connected to the same circuit, different voltages are present. A lamp that is not protected against overvoltage can burn out or flicker extremely.
The solution: Use high-quality light sources and lamps with good, protected connections that ensure a smooth energy supply.
It is best to buy modern LED lamps equipped with drivers or incandescent lamps with integrated earthing. This way you avoid current peaks and the lighting functions optimally.
Another reason why lamps and LED bulbs flicker is an incorrect and loose screw connection in the lamp holder. The current cannot flow constantly due to the slack. This causes the light source to overheat due to a constant interruption in the power supply and the lamp flickers.
The solution: If the bulb is loose, turn it clockwise back into its socket.
This allows the current to flow constantly and the flickering disappears. However, do not overtighten the bulb and wait until the bulb is no longer hot. LEDs have a clear advantage here, as they naturally do not heat up.
A loose or no longer fully intact Power plug can also cause lamps to 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 properly to the lamp.
The solution: Replace the Power plug !
Sockets work with so-called semiconductor technology and are usually difficult to repair independently. However, faulty sockets are dangerous and pose a significant safety risk. They should therefore be replaced as quickly as possible so that nobody is injured and no appliances are damaged.
If your light flickers, a light switch may also be the cause. To check this, turn the switch on and off several times. If the light flickers or gets dimmer, you should replace the light switch.
The solution: Replace the light switch!
As an experienced electrician, you certainly know how to change a switch correctly. As a layperson, however, you should rely on the experience of professionals, as this technique requires crucial knowledge. The specialist will replace the switch properly and ensure that it is connected correctly and safely.
If you have problems with the electrics, such as a flickering lamp, an old cable may also be responsible. If the wiring is old, it may look fine on the outside, but underneath the sheath, the wiring may be damaged. These cables can lead to short circuits and electrical faults. 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 homes.
The solution: Loose and defective cables must be replaced immediately!
To do this, switch off the power supply to the circuit completely and check all connections. Replace damaged conductors and plugs and only switch the power back on when everything is connected. If you are unsure about the new installation, please contact a specialist.
Power fluctuations and an overloaded power circuit are often noticeable as flickering lights. This is not primarily the fault of the supplier. The operation of several appliances at the same time often causes an overload, especially in old houses or negligently constructed new buildings. The lamp can then not only flicker, but also burn out. All the fuses in 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 applied voltages must be checked so that no appliances break or electrical accidents occur. You can also use a voltmeter to check many cables beforehand and find out where the voltage is too high or the circuit is overloaded.
Use surge protection when installing new lamps and connections. This helps to stabilize the power supply and minimizes risks. The flickering will then stop again. Lamps can also flicker if they are generally overheated. Excessive heat and also too much cold affect the functions of LED lamps and they start to flicker. Lamps should never be installed in direct sunlight, in front of heaters or air conditioners. Then they will not flicker.
Lamp wear and corrosion can play an important role when your lamp flickers. Lamps without moving parts are virtually indestructible and durable. However, materials do wear out over time. For example, the central heating coil can lose voltage and leaking 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 outdated components!
To install a lamp with a connection to a smart home system, you need the new technology. Many models from BUYnBLUE's online lamp store are classic and modern at the same time. There are hanging lamps, pendant lights, chandeliers, ceiling lamps and wall lights that have a traditional design but are still equipped with the latest technology. The possibilities are endless and a smart lamp immediately indicates a malfunction. This prevents flickering lamps in the first place.
If a lamp starts to flicker, this 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 easily deal with minor damage or causes yourself. For larger repairs to cables, generators and the house connection, you should always call in an expert.
You should also have your power cables serviced regularly. This way, damage can be detected in advance and you can enjoy your flicker-free lighting 100 percent.
Find your dream lighting in our range now. Our lamps are compatible with the latest technology and every bulb and LED is high-quality and long-lasting. Luxurious designs, high-quality finishes and breathtaking designs bring glamor and elegance to your rooms.
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