Flickering lights are the most common cause of headaches and pains for many people. To some extent, they are inevitable, as they occur due to power fluctuations in the grid. However, if your light bulbs flicker all the time and your headache seems particularly intense or frequent with these lights, they may not be at their intended frequency. Many people will question why do bulbs flicker in the first place and what is causing this problem? This article will answer all these questions, mostly so you will know what to do in the future.
Is Flickering Light Dangerous For Your Health?
Flickering lights can cause many different side effects, such as:
1. Fatigue
Flickering light can cause widespread fatigue in your body. You will feel exhausted after prolonged exposure to them. To avoid this, try to reduce the exposure of these lights by placing a dark cloth over the bulbs.
2. Headaches
Flickering lights can cause headaches related to eye strain or bright lighting, but in some cases, it is caused due to low-frequency flicker. Headaches can be muscular, temporal, or vascular and tend to subside within a few hours.
3. Dizziness
Dizziness is caused due to the flickering light entering your brain through the same pathway it uses to process motion, making you feel like you are moving when you are not. Try to eliminate this source of stress by using dimmer switches and turning up the brightness in your home and at work levels.
4. Sleep Problems
Flickering lights can make it difficult to fall asleep, and they may wake you up during the night. Reducing the amount of light in your bedroom during your evening routine is important, especially in the two hours before bed.
What is Causing My Lights to Flicker?
The following are some common causes of flickering lights:
1. Power Surge
Power surges occur in many households and can be caused by several elements. A power surge is a sudden change in the electrical current that flows to your home. These surges can be caused by damaged power lines or overuse of certain appliances. When these surges occur, the normal frequency of electrical current drops or changes unexpectedly, which causes your lights to flicker.
2. Loose Light Bulb
Loose sockets and poor wiring can cause loose light bulbs. If your light bulb is loose, it can cause many problems, including flickering and dimming lights. If your light bulbs flickers constantly, use a screwdriver to tighten your light bulbs. If that does not work and you still have the problem, consider replacing the socket or hiring an electrician to inspect the wiring in your home.
3. Type Of Light Bulb
Different types of light bulbs have different frequencies. This is because different lamp types contain varying amounts of metal, and when they get hot, the metal inside will expand at a different rate than the glass part of the bulb. The difference in frequency can cause flickering lights. Incandescent bulbs flicker at a higher frequency, while fluorescent bulbs flicker at a lower frequency. If your light bulbs flickers constantly, you may want to consider changing them to see if that solves your problem.
4. Circuit Overload
Circuit overload can directly or indirectly cause your lights to flicker. If your circuit is overloaded, it can cause voltage surges which will cause the lights to flicker and dim. Overloaded circuits can be caused by many different things, such as too many appliances plugged in at one time, extension cords plugged into an outlet, or even water pipes not properly installed in the wall.
5. Loose Wiring
A common reason for flickering lights is loose wiring. This can occur when wires are pulled out of their sockets, or the wires themselves are not tight enough to hold the electricity in. If your lights flickers more often, use a screwdriver to tighten them. If that does not work and you still have the problem, consider hiring an electrician to inspect your circuit.
Ways You Can Fix Flickering Lights By Yourself
There are a few ways you can fix your flickering lights by yourself.
1. Tighten Loose Bulbs
Try to tighten your bulbs as best you can if they flicker constantly. Use a screwdriver to tighten up the light bulbs. In addition, make sure that the sockets themselves are tight and secure. This will prevent the light from moving around in the socket, which can cause it to be loose and, in turn, cause flickering lights.
2. Upgrade Old or Incompatible Switches
If your light bulbs are constantly flickering, consider upgrading to a more modern or compatible switch. The older switches will cause your lights to flicker and dim much more than the newer ones.
3. Replace Unstable Wall Outlets
If your light fixtures are constantly flickering, it is important to ensure the wall outlet you are using is secure and sturdy. Sometimes, the outlet can be accidentally moved into an unstable position, which will cause the current to fluctuate in a way that makes your light fixtures flicker.
4. Try a smart bulb
If your light bulbs are constantly flickering, consider purchasing a smart bulb. Smart bulbs are a newer technology that can sense the frequency of electrical current and adjust accordingly. You can even purchase the fixtures themselves, which allow you to turn your lights on and off with your smartphone or tablet.
5. Don’t Overload Your Circuit
If your light bulbs are constantly flickering, avoid overloading your circuit by unplugging unnecessary appliances or plugging extension cords into the wall properly. This will help prevent voltage surges, which will also prevent flickering lights.
6. Double Check Your Wiring
If your light bulbs are constantly flickering, double-check your wiring. You may want to use a screwdriver to tighten the wiring and plug each wire into its appropriate place. This will make sure that power is efficiently flowing through your entire home.
When to Hire an Electrician to Fix The Flicker
If you do not know how to fix the issue, consider hiring an electrician. An electrician can inspect your entire home and ensure everything is properly wired and up to code. They can also help you pick the right switches for your home if you are having trouble finding them. Another way an electrician can help is by helping you troubleshoot the issue by testing all of your light bulbs, checking for voltage surges, and checking for loose sockets or wires.
If your lights flickers and do not know how to fix them, contact NextGen Electric. They are a full-service electrical company with experience diagnosing and fixing electrical issues in the home. In addition, they also offer 24/7 emergency services in case your lights start flickering when you need them most.
Conclusion
Lighting issues can cause many different side effects and problems for many people. If your lights are flickering at a higher frequency than normal, you may want to consider switching them out. In addition, if your light bulbs are constantly flickering, consider using a smart light bulb or socket that can sense the frequency of electrical current and alter the frequency accordingly. However, consider hiring an electrician if you cannot fix the issue yourself. The last thing you want is serious issues with your electrical system causing problems and rendering your home unusable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Flickering Lights Cause a Fire?
Yes. Flickering lights can cause fires, especially if your light bulbs are old and damaged. If your light bulbs are flickering frequently, consider replacing them with newer light bulbs that do not flicker.
Can A Bad Breaker cause flickering Lights?
Yes. A bad breaker can cause flickering lights. If your breaker trips frequently, it can cause voltage surges, which will cause flickering lights.
Can A Bad Transformer cause flickering Lights?
Yes. Flickering lights can be caused by bad transformers as well. A transformer essentially ensures electricity is flowing through your entire home properly. If your home has a bad or broken transformer or the wires are not properly connected, constant voltage surges can cause flickering lights.
