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Flickering lights are usually nothing to worry about, but there are certain circumstances that require an electrician immediately. A well-designed home won’t experience much flickering, but most houses will see the occasional change in lighting. The flickering may be caused by a faulty connection or voltage drops across the circuit, and the more appliances drawing on the circuit, the more evident the flicker. Below are a few of the most common culprits behind flickering lights, as well as when you should be concerned.

Why Are My Lights Flickering?

1. Bulbs & Switches

If the problem only occurs with one bulb, make sure it is screwed in tightly. If tightening it doesn’t work, replace the bulb. Fluorescent lights can flicker because of the internal room temperature, while fluorescent and LED lights can both flicker if connected to a dimmer switch. Also, check the light plug and the switch to see if either are faulty. If the light bulb is in a lamp, check to see if it’s plugged in all the way.

2. Voltage Drops

ElectricianA circuit breaker assigns 1,800 watts to a 15 amp breaker switch, and 2,400 amps to a 20 amp breaker switch. These values are the most that are allowed on the circuit before the breaker switch trips. Most kitchens are connected to a 20 amp breaker. If you have an 800-watt toaster, and a 1,100-watt microwave working at the same time, there is a draw of 1,900 watts. If you have three lights on in the kitchen and turn on the coffee maker, it may cause them to dim or reset the breaker, depending on the wattage of the bulbs. An electrician can add another circuit to the kitchen to prevent this problem.

3. Loose Wiring Connection

Loose wiring can cause electrical arcing, where electricity jumps from one wire to another. This is the leading cause of electrical fires. If your lights are flickering and there is no increased wattage from other appliances, loose wiring could be the cause. If the lights are problematic in several areas of the house, it could be an electrical short in the breaker box. In either of these cases, call an electrician immediately.

 

If you are concerned about flickering lights and would like an electrician to look at your electrical system, contact the experts at McAtlin Electrical Corporation in Grand Junction, CO. They offer a comprehensive array of electrical services, including snow cable installations as well as in-floor heating installations and repairs. Call (970) 257-7414 to request an estimate, and visit their website to learn more about their services.

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