The lighting in your house doesn’t just help you see; it also adds to the ambiance of your living spaces. Unfortunately, lights can sometimes dim or flicker, seemingly for no reason. The problem may be more than a dying bulb, but before you call an electrician for help, learn about the common reasons why your lights may be dimming below.

3 Causes of Dim Lighting

1. Old Wiring

Outdated electrical wiring is usually found in older houses, and it isn’t always able to handle the current required to power modern appliances and devices. Voltage can drop when a machine demands a higher electrical current than the old wiring can handle. As a result, lights often dim. New installation may be the solution to this problem.

2. Overloaded Circuit

If your lights dim or flicker when you turn on another appliance, you could have an issue with the circuit. The electrical circuit for your property is only capable of handling a certain amount of power.

The more appliances you run, the higher chance you have of overloading the channel to meet the power demands. This includes using extension cords, power strips, and outlets on one circuit. As the electrical overflow begins, the power to the lights reduces, which causes the bulbs to dim.

An overloaded circuit is a common problem that usually doesn’t require the assistance of an electrician. However, you may need a new circuit installed to handle a more significant load if you intend to use more devices and appliances in your house.

3. Loose Neutral Wire

The wiring in your home consists of live, neutral, and ground lines. Together, these lines create a circuit for electricity to flow to and from the electrical panel. The neutral white line in the panel is responsible for creating a return path to the original power source.

If this wire is loose or corroded, the route is incomplete, which can cause lights to brighten when they receive a high voltage and dim when they receive little. Damage to the neutral wire can be hazardous because it can cause electrical fires, so contact a licensed electrician immediately if you suspect this reason to be the cause of your dim lighting. 

Keep the lights in your home shining bright by contacting the professionals at Leiser Corporation in Weston, MA. Serving the Boston metro area for over 45 years, this electrical contractor offers cost-effective electrical services. Whether you need to redo old wiring, repair electrical systems, or upgrade your exterior lighting, this trusted team has the expertise to get the job done. To speak with an electrician about your needs, call (781) 893-5966 or visit their website.