Why Are My Lights Flickering?

Lighting issues can be worrisome, particularly when you are unsure of the cause. Because faulty electrical wiring can lead to home fires, never ignore lighting issues, as they could point to a more serious problem with your electrical connectivity.

The Best Ways to Troubleshoot Lighting Issues

When it comes to lighting issues, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot. Below you will find our top 5 recommendations to try and correct your lighting issues.

1. Inspect your light bulbs:  A loose connection in the socket will cause a bulb to light intermittently and “flicker.” Check to make sure that any flickering lights are not caused by loose light bulbs. Using a glove or cloth to avoid being burned by a hot bulb, tighten it to see if the light stays on. Next, inspect the bulb in relation to the socket to make sure that you are using the correct size and type of bulb.

2. Look over the electrical cord: Unplug your lamp to see if the plug is loose, as a faulty plug will contact the electrical supply at irregular intervals, causing flickering. If you find any worn or broken areas, be sure to bring it to a lamp rewiring specialist to replace the cord, or simply replace the piece. Note: do not try this project on your own unless you are specifically trained to do so, as any flaws in the wiring could be dangerous.

3. Examine your outlet: If another appliance works in the outlet in question, the problem was with your lighting fixture. However, if your hair dryer fails to turn on when you plug it in, the problem may have to do with your outlet. In this case, call a professional electrician for an assessment.

4. Notice other appliances: If appliances in your home are receiving full power while your lights are flickering, there may be an issue with your electrical supply. Observe the weather to see if strong winds or an impending storm might be causing the problem.

5. Call Prairie: If the above solutions do not reveal the cause of your flickering lights, it’s time to call an experienced electrician to determine the cause and restore your lighting to its former function.

Flickering lights are more than just a nuisance; they can indicate a serious problem that must be dealt with immediately. Carefully troubleshoot the issue using the above techniques and call your local expert if the problems do not resolve.