Do you want confirmation your electrical system works correctly? Call Crowe Electric at 781-678-8266.
Are you living with flickering lights that affect how much you enjoy your home? If so, you’re probably wondering what causes LED lights to flicker and what you can do to fix the problem.
As a trusted and expert electrician in Scituate, MA, Crowe Electric knows about all lighting and electrical problems. We offer the following advice about what causes flickering LED lights and how to avoid them.
How LED Lights Work
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) work by sending an electrical current through a semiconductor and releasing electrons in the form of photons. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs have several advantages, including:
- Require less energy
- Last longer
- Variety of shapes and sizes
- Faster response to switches
These benefits make LED lights extremely popular, and according to Statista.com, experts expect they’ll comprise up to 87% of all light sources by 2030. However, LED lamps and light fixtures have a few disadvantages, including low voltage capacity and less resilience in extreme temperatures.
Reasons Your LED Lights Flicker
What causes LED lights to flicker? The answer depends on whether you’ve connected the bulb to a dimmer switch. You might also be surprised to realize the lights can flicker even when turned off.
Connected to a Dimmer
Traditionally, LED lights function in a binary state. In other words, they are either on or off and are incompatible with traditional dimmer switches. However, many people use LED bulbs with their dimmer switches rather than replacing the entire switch or circuit.
When using the bulbs with incompatible dimmer switches, they’ll flicker unless you turn the switch to its maximum setting. You can upgrade the switch to a model suitable for LED lights. While LED bulbs are a relatively new technology, newer versions offer the ability to function beyond the binary state.
Disconnected From a Dimmer
If you’re sure your light isn’t connected to a dimmer switch, three main causes can lead to LED bulbs flickering. The most common problems are as follows:
- Faulty bulb: Whether from a manufacturing problem or damage during transportation, storage, or installation, you might need a different bulb.
- Malfunctioning wiring: If you have non-LED bulbs that also flicker, you likely have old wiring that needs updating. Replace it quickly to avoid an electrical fire.
- Improper current regulation: If you don’t have an adequate electrical panel, it may not give your bulbs enough power. In this case, the flickering will increase with the number of electrical devices you have turned on.
While Turned Off
How can lights flicker when they’re not receiving power from your switch? This almost always happens when connecting the bulb to a smart switch.
Additional features like a Wi-Fi connection and programming require a standby power source to activate properly. With improper installation, the switch may not use the neutral wire, so excess voltage builds up, eventually causing the bulb to flicker. Having a professional reinstall the switch should fix the issue.
How To Avoid Flickering LED Lights
Now that you know what causes LED lights to flicker, you can avoid flickering lights using several methods. However, always practice basic electrical safety; if you suspect a problem, never try to fix it yourself.
Basic Troubleshooting
If you witness a bulb flickering, confirm you’ve twisted it tight enough in its socket. If the problem persists, try another bulb. If that doesn’t work, call an electrician to diagnose the issue.
Regular Electrical Inspections
To prevent your wiring from causing house-wide problems and an overwhelming number of flickering lights, have a professional inspect your electrical system at least every other year. If you have a lot of appliances that use significant electricity, consider annual inspections.
Know Your Lighting Systems
If you know which switches in your home are dimmers and which are traditional, you’re more likely to purchase the right bulbs. Always check your LED bulb’s compatibility before purchasing.
Call Crowe Electric for All Your Lighting Needs
What causes LED lights to flicker? Now, you have enough knowledge to determine the most likely source of the issue.
Crowe Electric approaches every job with 100% dedication and professional service, no matter how simple or complex your electrical issue is. With expert knowledge and open communication, we’re confident we can find a solution to every problem.
Whether you’re wondering how to tell if your light switch is bad or in need of new wiring in your home, Crowe Electric can help when you call 781-678-8266.