{"id":285,"date":"2022-08-10T07:20:44","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T07:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/?p=285"},"modified":"2023-03-27T13:01:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-27T13:01:22","slug":"led-lights-flicker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/led-lights-flicker\/","title":{"rendered":"LED Lights Flicker: What it is and How to Solve the Issue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LEDs are powerful and versatile, but they’re not immune to flickering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And since you depend on your lights, the LED lights flicker can be distracting and have terrible side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are many reasons for LED flickering, and once you pinpoint the cause, it’s simple and affordable to fix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But tracing the cause can be a bit tricky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you can learn about LED flickering and how to solve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready? Let’s learn!<\/p>\n\n\n

What’s LED Lights Flickering?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Flickering<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Flickering Bulbs<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember those bulbs that blink on and off rapidly? That’s what we call flickering. Usually, flickering happens when oscillations<\/a> disturb the LEDs’ power supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEDs use components with high sensitivity to an incoming power supply. So, the slightest upset in the input current can cause flickering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, there are other reasons for flickering, like bad dimmers, dust, power surges<\/a>, debris in the fixture, and loose connections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, this rapid blinking can create several issues. Moreover, flickering lights can’t illuminate an area properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And since flickering indicates a faulty electrical system, it could result in a fire outbreak or electrical shocks.<\/p>\n\n\n

Flickering Types<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LED Lamps<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, we have two types of flickering: visible and invisible flicker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the name implies, we can see visible flickers. It happens when the light output changes rapidly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, you may experience short-term light frequencies ranging from 3Hz to 70Hz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, visible flickers are pretty dangerous because of their photosensitive effects that can trigger epileptic seizures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, visible flickers can be an annoyance and a public safety issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, visible flickers can indicate a defective light fixture or LED bulb that needs replacement or repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invisible flickers are the complete opposite. Although you can’t see them, they are present and can cause extreme side effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, you can experience headaches, dizziness, migraines, or a general ill feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n

Why does LED Lights Flicker?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Hand<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hand Holding LED Bulb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reasons for LED flickering are in two categories: minor and primary causes.<\/p>\n\n\n

Minor Causes<\/h3>\n\n\n

Flickering doesn’t always mean there’s a big issue. Sometimes, it’s something you can check and fix quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n

Loose Plug Connection<\/h4>\n\n\n

The LED lights will flicker if it gets power from a loose outlet<\/a>, especially if you have bent prongs on your plug. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you don’t have to worry about this if your LEDs don’t use connectors.<\/p>\n\n\n

Bad Driver<\/h4>\n\n\n

Flickers can also be a result of faulty drivers. LED drivers are more susceptible to damage from heat and lose functionality over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since they’re essential in any LED circuit, a damaged one could cause even more problems.<\/p>\n\n\n

Dimmer Compatibility<\/h4>\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These switches can turn on and off a bulb’s power supply multiple times per second. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And LED lights can’t handle this mechanism, causing them to flicker.<\/p>\n\n\n

Loose Bulb or Wiring<\/h4>\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, you may have a bigger problem if all lights flicker simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n

Low-Quality LED Bulbs<\/h4>\n\n\n

Typically, cheap LED bulbs have low-quality LED drivers, which can cause flickering issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although high-quality LED bulbs are more expensive, they are less susceptible to flickering.<\/p>\n\n\n

Major Causes<\/h3>\n\n\n
\"Glowing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Glowing LED Bulb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So here are some things you need to note before deciding you have a deeper problem:<\/p>\n\n\n\n