LEDs are powerful and versatile, but they’re not immune to flickering.
And since you depend on your lights, the LED lights flicker can be distracting and have terrible side effects.
However, there are many reasons for LED flickering, and once you pinpoint the cause, it’s simple and affordable to fix.
But tracing the cause can be a bit tricky.
In this article, you can learn about LED flickering and how to solve it.
Are you ready? Let’s learn!
What’s LED Lights Flickering?
Flickering Bulbs
Remember those bulbs that blink on and off rapidly? That’s what we call flickering. Usually, flickering happens when oscillations disturb the LEDs’ power supply.
LEDs use components with high sensitivity to an incoming power supply. So, the slightest upset in the input current can cause flickering.
Furthermore, there are other reasons for flickering, like bad dimmers, dust, power surges, debris in the fixture, and loose connections.
Additionally, this rapid blinking can create several issues. Moreover, flickering lights can’t illuminate an area properly.
And since flickering indicates a faulty electrical system, it could result in a fire outbreak or electrical shocks.
Flickering Types
LED Lamps
Generally, we have two types of flickering: visible and invisible flicker.
As the name implies, we can see visible flickers. It happens when the light output changes rapidly.
Thus, you may experience short-term light frequencies ranging from 3Hz to 70Hz.
However, visible flickers are pretty dangerous because of their photosensitive effects that can trigger epileptic seizures.
In other words, visible flickers can be an annoyance and a public safety issue.
Also, visible flickers can indicate a defective light fixture or LED bulb that needs replacement or repairs.
Invisible flickers are the complete opposite. Although you can’t see them, they are present and can cause extreme side effects.
For example, you can experience headaches, dizziness, migraines, or a general ill feeling.
Why does LED Lights Flicker?
Hand Holding LED Bulb
The reasons for LED flickering are in two categories: minor and primary causes.
Minor Causes
Flickering doesn’t always mean there’s a big issue. Sometimes, it’s something you can check and fix quickly.
And, if you’re lucky, the issue can be a loose connection, a light bulb, or a fixture you need to replace. So let’s take a close look at these minor issues.
Loose Plug Connection
The LED lights will flicker if it gets power from a loose outlet, especially if you have bent prongs on your plug.
But you don’t have to worry about this if your LEDs don’t use connectors.
Bad Driver
Flickers can also be a result of faulty drivers. LED drivers are more susceptible to damage from heat and lose functionality over time.
Since they’re essential in any LED circuit, a damaged one could cause even more problems.
Dimmer Compatibility
Using your LED bulbs with an incompatible dimmer switch can cause them to flicker. And it’s because LEDs don’t go well with dimmer switches, especially non-LED dimmers.
These switches can turn on and off a bulb’s power supply multiple times per second.
And LED lights can’t handle this mechanism, causing them to flicker.
Loose Bulb or Wiring
Sometimes, your LED bulbs will flicker because of loose wiring or connection. And it’s usually due to poor handling while placing fixtures to connection points.
But, you may have a bigger problem if all lights flicker simultaneously.
Low-Quality LED Bulbs
Typically, cheap LED bulbs have low-quality LED drivers, which can cause flickering issues.
Although high-quality LED bulbs are more expensive, they are less susceptible to flickering.
Major Causes
Glowing LED Bulb
If you’ve checked through the minor problems above and your flickering persists, it indicates a more severe issue. And there are many possible causes relating to your electrical system.
So here are some things you need to note before deciding you have a deeper problem:
- Persistence: How frequently does your bulb flicker?
- Consistency: Does it happen when you power on a specific appliance?
- Severity: Is the flickery apparent or barely noticeable?
Here are some possible significant causes:
Utility Service
Your electric service provider could cause the LED bulbs to flicker. And this happens more if you share electrical supplies with nearby homes.
Hence, your bulbs can flicker if your neighbors have an excess electrical load.
You can contact your electrician to check if the electrical systems need repairs.
Old Wires
Old wiring may not sound like a severe problem, but it can get dangerous quickly.
According to NFPA, wiring issues cause 70% of home fire accidents.
And if they don’t cause a fire outbreak, old wires can become corroded over time and make lights flicker.
Overloaded Circuits
If your lights flicker when you turn on an appliance, you may be experiencing a circuit overload. If it’s a brief or infrequent flicker, it’s probably minor.
But, if it happens every time and lasts longer, tries checking for circuit overload.
Fluctuating Voltage
Usually, a standard home runs on a regular 120-volt circuit. So, your home’s voltage should be between 115 to 125 volts.
You can check your electrical voltage with a voltmeter. If it reads over 125 volts, the electrical system may be faulty. Voltage changes can cause constant flickering, bulb dimming, or fast burnout.
Arcing
Arcing happens when there’s some loose wiring. As a result, the current will jump over a faulty connection to maintain the flow.
Each time this happens, it can generate heat up to 50000C and cause your lights to flicker.
How to Fix Flickering LED Lights
Changing Light Bulbs
Before fixing your flickering LEDs, you’ll need to diagnose the problem first.
Luckily, it’s easy to find most situations, and we’ll show you how to get this done.
Diagnosing your Flickering LEDs
Woman Checking LED Lamp
- Try checking for issues with simple fixes before checking for difficult ones. Hence, you can start by tightening your LED bulb.
- Check the plug connections–if you use an LED floor or table lamp. It should be firm, not loose.
- For fixtures, tap the sides lightly with your knuckles. If the light flickers, you probably have a faulty fixture.
- You can diagnose faulty dimmer switches with a temporary single-pole non-dimmable one. If the light works with the non-dimmable light switch, your dimmer has a problem.
- Check your switch’s compatibility online to see if it works with your LED. If it doesn’t, then it needs a replacement.
- It’s harder to diagnose loose wiring as little vibrations can cause flickers. So, instead of sorting the wires, get a professional.
How to Fix Flickering LEDs
LED Light Bulbs
Let’s look at how to fix some issues that can cause flickering LEDs.
1. Loose Bulbs: Here’s one problem with an easy fix. First, turn your bulb counter-clockwise, then clockwise until it’s tight. Alternatively, you can replace the bulb if worn out or faulty.
2. Loose Outlet: Don’t try to fix your outlets. Replace them instead.
3. Incompatible Dimmer: First, purchase a dimmer compatible with your LED lights.
Then, remove your old dimmer and replace it with a new one. If you can’t return the darker, opt for a broad-compatible LED.
4. Broken Light Fixtures: If you have ceiling lights, we recommend installing a new fixture instead of repairing the faulty one. But, if it’s a table and floor lamp, you can rewire them.
5. Loose Wiring: Employ the help of a professional to test your connection points. If it’s not solid, you’ll have to reconnect. While at it, clean up the insides of your fixture to get better performance. Alternatively, turn off the power from your mains and tighten your fixture connections.
6. Broken Dimmer: Replace broken dimmers with new ones.
7. Overloaded Circuits: Disconnect your light fixture from the overloaded circuit and create a new one to fix this problem. Sometimes, the issue may be from a shared transformer, causing voltage overloads and power surges. So, it’s best to consult a professional.
8. Other Major Issues: Get a professional electrician for other problems related to your home electrical system.
9. Fluctuating Voltage: Using separate breakers for heavy appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators helps cushion the effects of voltage drop.
10. Use High-Quality LEDs: LED drivers can help regulate the voltage your LEDs receive. So, it’s best to use an LED with a driver that can handle the job. In other words, invest in high-quality LED bulbs to get superior drivers.
FAQs
Yellow LED Lamps
Do LED Lights Flicker when Burning Out?
Not really. Most times, LEDs get dimmer before burning out.
Is Flickering Bad for LEDs?
It depends on the situation. Usually, flickering LEDs don’t pose a threat to the bulb. But more extreme causes could lead to damage.
Last Words
Flickering Lights
Flickering LEDs are usually indications that something is wrong.
For example, it could be a faulty bulb connection or issues with the house’s electrical system.
Further, LED flickering can have harmful effects, like headaches and migraines. And it doesn’t illuminate an area properly.
Do you have more questions about LED flickering? Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
