Understanding Flickering Lights and When To Call an Emergency Electrician
Ever noticed your lights doing that annoying flicker thing? While it seems no big deal, it’s worth paying attention to. Those flickering lights could be trying to tell you something important about your home’s electrical system. And ignoring them might put your safety at risk or damage your expensive appliances.
But fear not. You can count on us to identify common causes of these flickering lights and what you can do about it. By the way, if you’re in Memphis, TN, Mister Greenway Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to dispatch a tech within 30 minutes for any emergency electrical service you need.
What Causes Flickering Lights?
First, let’s look at some of the simpler reasons your lights might be flickering. These flickering issues you can easily resolve on your own:
Lightbulb Problems
Sometimes, it’s as basic as using the wrong type of bulb (like trying to use a regular bulb with a dimmer switch). Or maybe the bulb’s just not screwed in tight enough.
Faulty Switches
Other times, you might have a worn-out light switch that needs replacing. A wonky or worn-out switch can make lights flicker.
Loose Plug Connections
Perhaps the plug isn’t snug in the outlet. When a light’s plug is not securely connected to the outlet, you can see flickering.
You just need to tighten the plug or swap out the outlet, and you’re good to go.
Voltage Drops from High-Energy Appliances
And here’s something interesting. Have you ever noticed your lights dim for a second when your fridge or HVAC kicks on? That’s totally normal. Large appliances can cause a brief power dip when they start up.
But what if the flickering keeps happening even after you’ve checked all these simple fixes? That’s when you might be dealing with something more serious. We recommend getting the help of an electrician to investigate the issue.
Common Serious Electrical Issues Behind Flickering Lights
Now, let’s talk about some of the bigger issues that could be going on, and you’re likely to need the help of an emergency electrician:
1. Overloaded Circuit
Is your circuit overloaded? This happens when you’re asking too much from one electrical circuit. In other words, multiple appliances running at once overload the circuit (creating continuous flickering lights).
There’s not enough room for all that power to flow through. In this case, you should get a licensed electrician to assess the load and upgrade circuits.
2. Electric Utility Service Issues
Sometimes, the problem isn’t even in your house. If your neighbors see the same flickering, you might be dealing with an overloaded transformer in the neighborhood.
That’s definitely something to mention to your utility company.
3. Fluctuating Electrical Voltage
Here’s another concerning one: voltage fluctuations. Your home’s electrical system should be running between 115 and 125 volts. When it starts jumping around outside that range, it’s not just annoying. It can actually damage your appliances and risk your safety.
That’s because fluctuations beyond this range indicate voltage instability (causing frequent bulb burnouts, dimming, or excessive brightness). You should have an emergency electrician inspect the system promptly.
4. Loose or Outdated Wiring Connections
Loose or outdated wiring is one of the scariest causes. This isn’t just about flickering lights anymore. We’re talking about a serious fire hazard created by the arching of loose connections. Common trouble spots include fixture wiring, switch failures, and breaker box connections.
If you hear buzzing sounds or smell something burning near any electrical fixtures, that’s your cue to call a professional electrician right away.
5. Main Connection Issues
Widespread flickering often indicates problems with the main meter box or service cable connections. These high-capacity wires are dangerous and require professional attention.
Never attempt to handle these yourself. Call a licensed electrician instead. Remember that here in Memphis, TN, Mister Greenway is available for emergencies within 30 minutes.
Quick Tips for Diagnosing Flickering Light Patterns
If you want to play detective, the way your lights flicker can actually tell you a lot about what’s going on:
- One Light Flickering: If it’s just one light acting up, you likely have a loose bulb or socket issue. Probably just needs to be tightened.
- Multiple Lights in One Area Flickering: If several lights flicker in one room, this could be an issue with that specific circuit.
- Lights Flickering When Appliances Turn On: If this happens when you turn several appliances on, this indicates possible breaker load issues or voltage drops.
- Flickering Throughout the Home: If your whole house is going disco, it suggests loose service conductors or a major electrical fault. That’s when you definitely need a pro to check things out.
- Flickering in the Neighborhood: If this happens in your entire neighborhood, it’s likely caused by a utility provider issue. Then, it’s a case to contact your electric company.
How Important Regular Electrical Maintenance Is
We know it’s tempting to ignore these kinds of problems, especially when they seem minor. But trust us, electrical issues tend to get worse over time, not better. And when it comes to your home’s electrical system, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
As we mentioned before, certain signs indicate it’s time to call a licensed electrician, such as buzzing or crackling sounds from outlets or fixtures, burning smells near electrical components, and circuit breakers that trip frequently.
So, take action at the first sign of trouble to prevent serious damage or safety risks. However, working with regular electrical TLC is a smart way to avoid worrying about these troubles.
Electrical maintenance helps lessen the risk of flickering lights and other potential hazards, as inspections can identify hidden wiring problems. But this is not all. You can drop your energy waste and give your wallet a break.
You can always schedule electrical TLC with a trusted provider like Mister Greenway. We’re just a call away.
Fixing Flickering Lights With Mister Greeeenway
Remember that a little flicker today could be trying to warn you about a bigger problem tomorrow. Flickering lights can signal anything from minor issues like loose bulbs to serious problems such as overloaded circuits or unstable voltage. Please don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Get it checked out and keep your home and family safe.
If you’re in Memphis, TN, Mister Greenway Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can have someone at your door within 30 minutes. We offer emergency electrical services, too. If you have an urgent issue, our emergency technicians know exactly what to look for and how to fix it safely.
Mister Greenway has your back. Our team of licensed pros can diagnose the problem and fix it fast, giving you peace of mind and a flicker-free home.
