Why LED lights flicker? [12 reasons]

Are you trying to figure out Why LED lights flicker? You are not alone, though. That may seem confusing at first, but don’t worry — I’ll clarify things and go over 12 possible explanations for flickering LED lights.

Reason 1: incompatible dimmer switch

Flickering LED lights are usually a result of an issue with incompatible dimmer switches, including those that use incandescent bulbs. They must share the same perspective.

Flickering may result from using dimmers designed for old incandescent bulbs with LED light bulbs.

LED lights work best when paired with a trusted dimmer switch; it’s even better if the two products are made by the same company. In this manner, you may address any problems directly with the supplier and have them resolved. I promise that purchasing high-quality dimmers is worthwhile.

Reason 2: loose connections

Sometimes a loose connection causes lights to flicker. You know, like when the charger for your phone keeps coming loose from the outlet? Same idea.

The LED light bulb isn’t establishing appropriate contact if it’s not snug in the socket. Consequently, LED lighting can flicker on and off with even the slightest movement.

Oh, and heads up – even LED lighting, the ones that are all sleek and recessed? Yeah, they can loosen up over time too.

So, here’s what you do: tighten the LED light bulb up. Don’t twist the light bulb too much because you don’t want to break it. Furthermore, wearing gloves is a good idea just in case. Even if LED light bulbs don’t generate a lot of heat, it’s always better to be cautious.

Reason 3: loose wiring

When a simple adjustment of an LED light bulb is no longer sufficient, it’s time to call an electrician.

You might be handling loose electrical wire, and I can promise you that this is not something you should tamper with.

Reason 4: non-dimmable LED light bulbs in LED dimmers

You’re asking for trouble if you try to utilize dimmers with non-dimmable LED light bulbs. Here, lights buzz and flicker like a vengeful bee.

They may dim slightly, but only if the dimmer is turned up to 100%.

The lifespan of non-dimmable bulbs may be shortened when used with dimmers. They will burn out faster if they flicker more. Thus, it’s recommended to stick with the appropriate match unless you’re in the desire to switch out your bulbs every other week.

Reason 5: the same circuit with other appliances

When heavy-duty appliances like an air conditioner or electric stove are turned on, they immediately use a lot of energy. And guess what? It can mess with the flow of voltage in your circuit.

Now, if your LED lights use the same circuit as these energy hogs, they might start flickering or dimming. LED light bulbs are already super energy-efficient, so when you throw even less juice their way, they can get a bit finicky and start playing the on-and-off game.

What is the solution? Give those machines their circuits. That way, they won’t be making your LED lights flicker anymore.

Reason 6: circuit overload

Your meter box is like the conductor of the electricity orchestra in your home. It’s supposed to divvy up the power of all your appliances and gadgets. But if it’s not up to snuff for all your energy needs, those flickering lights might be indicating a problem.

Remember that inrush current we talked about earlier? Well, as you keep adding more appliances to your home, you’re loading up the circuits. Eventually, they just can’t handle all that demand, and boom – you’ve got yourself an overloaded circuit.

Just like with loose wiring, it’s time to call in the electrician. They can give your meter box and LED light fixture the once-over and see if it’s up to the task.

Reason 7: poor constant current LED driver

LED drivers are not just there to keep the current flowing smoothly, they also act as a safety net.

But a poor driver can make your LED flicker.

So, when your LED drivers start acting up, you might end up with blinking LED lights. Why? Because those faulty drivers can’t handle the heat.

Reason 8: low-quality LED bulbs

Cheap LED bulbs for an LED lamp or fixture come with low-quality LED components. Sure, they’ll get the job done, but they’re also more likely to give you flickering issues.

Now, purchasing some premium lights could initially seem like a financial burden, but bear with me. Although they may be slightly more expensive, they will spare you the trouble of having to replace or repair them regularly in the future. So, invest in some quality bulbs – your sanity will thank you later.

Reason 9: faulty LED light fixtures

Over time, LED light fixtures are gonna get tired, worn out, and maybe even a little rusty. That’s a recipe for flickering light bulbs.

Swap out that flickering bulb for a fresh LED bulb. If the flickering keeps on truckin’, it might be your fixture that’s the reason. But hey, if you’re still stuck in flicker town even after changing out the fixture, it’s time to call a professional electrician to give your wiring the once-over.

Reason 10: dirty sockets

Over time, all that dust and grime can sneak its way into your sockets and cozy up with your LED light. That can be a prime suspect for why your lights are flickering like they’re trying to send smoke signals.

So, grab yourself a rag and get ready to do some spring cleaning – even if it’s not spring. Give those fixtures a good wipe-down and get rid of all that gunk lurking around the sockets.

Oh, and pro tip: make sure to unscrew the bulbs first so you can get in there and give those sockets a thorough cleaning. And for safety’s sake, remember to flip that switch and turn the power off before you start poking around in there.

Reason 11: voltage buildup

It’s a quite regular problem when your LED light bulbs flicker even after you’ve turned them off, and the culprit is typically a smart switch.

These switches are not your typical on/off toggles.

Oh no, they come with a whole bag of tricks – like WiFi control, dimming capabilities, and even a built-in night light.

I won’t bore you with all the technical details, but here’s the gist of it: if the wiring isn’t quite right, your smart switch might not play nice with the neutral wire it needs. And since your LED lights are hooked up to the negative wire, it can lead to something called capacitive coupling. Translation? It leaves a little bit of power hanging around in your circuit impacting light output.

And that leftover power is enough to make your LED light flicker or glow, even when they’re supposed to be off.

So, how do you test if this is the culprit? Grab yourself a one-touch tester. Turn off the switch, touch the tester to one connection in the LED socket, and watch for any flickering LEDs. If you see them, you’ve got some stray capacitance and current leakage on your hands.

Reason 12: voltage changes

LED lights are pretty sensitive creatures. Power current peaks can mess with the flow of electricity to your LED bulbs.

Leave it to the experts unless you’re an electrical system wizard. Your voltage levels can be checked by an electrician to ensure that everything is operating properly.

Additional considerations

You can decrease the frequency of flickering LED lights by reducing your dependence on the grid.

Going solar to reduce flickering

So here’s a clever idea: why not switch to solar power and spare the grid?

By using solar lights, you may harness the sun’s boundless power, which is the purest form of freedom and limitlessness. They light up your home without relying on the grid, so even if the dreaded ripple effect comes knocking, your solar lights keep on shining.

And get this – some solar lights are portable too, so you can whip them out as a flashlight when the power takes a nosedive. Plus, using solar energy is way cleaner and greener than burning fossil fuels for electricity. Win-win!

Fixing flickering for a longer-lasting LED light fixture

LED lights have a lifespan that puts other bulbs to shame (at least 25000 hours). But even these champs can’t handle constant flickering without wearing out sooner than expected.

So, if multiple lights are putting on a disco show, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and fix the issue. The sooner you do, the longer the LED light will keep on shining – and who doesn’t want a brighter, flicker-free future?

Conclusion

So, next time your LED lights start flickering, remember these tips and keep the light show going strong!

FAQs