ell as negatively affect our health.
When You See Lights Dim and Flicker
Never ignore the dangers posed by dimming and/or flickering lights. They can cause shocks, electrocution, burns, or other injuries. When lights flicker, there might be sparking that could cause a catastrophic house fire.
You’ll create an even bigger problem if you try to solve a flickering lights problem yourself. If there’s electrical damage resulting from a DIY (do-it-yourself) wiring fix, your insurance may not cover the expenses for loss and damages.
If you have dimming or flickering lights, make note of:
- Appearance – Is it barely noticeable or extremely annoying?
- Consistency – Does it occur every time you plug in one particular appliance or happen occasionally with any appliance?
- Frequency – Has it happened once or does it often occur?
Here are 4 reasons your lights may dim or flicker:
- Fluorescent bulbs – These will naturally flicker when “warming up.”
- Loose bulbs – Flickering lights occur because of inconsistent electrical flow. This is a DIY fix. First, wait for the light bulb to cool, then check to ensure it’s tightly fitted into the socket.
- Loose prongs – Sometimes the prongs are bent on an appliance’s plug-in. Unplug and try to straighten the prong(s).
- Wrong bulb – If light fixture manufacturers recommend a particular type of light bulb, follow those recommendations. (Light flickers can also occur when the wrong bulb is used with a light-dimmer fixture.)
Call your local Phoenix electrician if you see lights dim or flicker in your home or business. Causes can include:
- Electrical panel problems – Your home’s circuit breaker is the most important safety device you have. If you suspect malfunctions, request service immediately.
- Outdated/loose wiring – Seventy percent of home fires are caused by bad wiring. An electrical wiring inspection is a good idea, especially if you have an older home.
- Overloaded circuit – If flickering happens often or lasts longer than a few seconds, it can be an electrical emergency.
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