Flickering Lights

You could have flickering lights for many reasons…

In general, flickering lights can range from no threat issues such as a loose globe, an unsuitable dimmer, poor electrical frequency in your area or, the high input surge current in loads like fluorescent lights. Unfortunately, if one of these isn’t the issue then you may have a bigger, more dangerous problem in your home. This problem could very well mean you have loose wiring. Loose wiring not only causes flickering lights, it’s also the lead cause of electrical fires in homes! If you have flickering lights and don’t know why, do not hesitate to get a professional. Call a qualified electrician immediately before your problem gets out of hand. At Coast Complete Electrical Solutions we offer 24/7 emergency services and are happy to help, any time of day!

Flickering Lights

Loose Globe (ES/Edison Screw Globe)  

The reason your lights are flickering at home could be quite simple, your light globe may be loose. If it is a ‘screw-in’ type globe (ES globe), this could be something you can repair yourself. Saving the time, money and hassle of calling your local Central Coast electrician.

Firstly, turn off the light fixture at the switch and try to gently tighten the bulb. Don’t over tighten it, just make sure that it’s screwed in properly, then, turn the light back on at the switch. Fickering lights continue? Maybe it’s time to try a new globe. If you’re using a BC (Bayonet Cap) globe then unfortunately, there is not much you will be able to do yourself. If the BC globe is not making contact anymore then, you will need a qualified Central Coast electrician. Your qualified electrical tradesman will be able to repair the contact or simply replace your flickering lights.

Fluorescent Lights

Flickering lights are quite common among fluorescent lighting. If you have fluorescent lights then surely you’ve noticed the fairly immediate, pulsating flicker within the first minute of turning them on. This is due to the input surge current that the phosphors require to reach their peak illumination and energise the light. If the light continues to flicker after 30-60 seconds, chances are, the ballast is beginning to fail. The ballast is the electrical component that regulates the current, providing the necessary voltage needed to illuminate a fluorescent light.

If this is the case then you will need the service of a Central Coast Electrician. They will either replace the ballast or replace the entire fitting. Often, replacing the ballast can cost close to the same amount as the cost of a new fitting. Either way, if you are still using fluorescent lighting, we definitely recommend upgrading to LED.

LED Lighting – Downlights

It is a very inconvenient issue when LED downlights to flicker. This usually occurs when LED downlights are improperly connected to a driver or when connected to certain dimmers/dimming systems. Often this can relate to where you are located and the electrical frequency in your local area. There is nothing you can personally do about this except call us or your local Central Coast electrician; who can come and try their best to solve this dilemma. Unfortunately, the outcomes will vary from person to person and area to area.

We have discovered that different areas just won’t cooperate with different dimmers. Thus, the issue may be solved from the changing of dimmers or you might have to say goodbye to your dimmer altogether (worst case scenario). If you really need your lights dimmed and there is no dimmer that seems to suit, your only option may be a load bypass device that an electrician can install.

Loose Wiring

Loose wiring is the most serious and by far the most dangerous cause of flickering lights in your house. This means that the connection at your switchboard, at the light itself or, somewhere else internally isn’t making the constant necessary contact. Instead, it is kind of ‘bouncing to and from’ making contact. This can cause arcing, electric shorts, cables to heat and possibly even electrical fires. This can be virtually impossible for anyone but a qualified Central Coast electrician or, someone trained in voltage/electrical testing to identify. So if this is happening at your house, make sure you give us a call! Loose wiring is the biggest cause of house fires, DO NOT IGNORE your flickering lights!

Flickering Lights

If you have flickering lights and it’s not just a loose globe that you can tighten, then please give us a call anytime, 24/7! Electrical problems in your home are not to be ignored…

To help us solve the issue and ensure we arrive with the correct equipment, please answer the following 5 questions before you call:

• Does the light have a dimmer connected to it?
• What kind of light is it? (outdoor light, downlight, batten holder, fluorescent, LED) Maybe you can send us a picture?
• Does your light flicker whenever it is turned on? Or perhaps when you begin using an appliance?
• Does the light switch that operates the flickering light turn other lights on too? Or is the flickering light switched on by itself?
• Has anyone worked on the light or your electrical system in general recently?