When it comes to LED bulbs, there are a few things that can cause them to flicker. The most common reason is an issue with the bulb itself. Sometimes, the connection between the bulb and the socket can be loose, which will cause the bulb to flicker.
Another reason why LED bulbs may flicker is because of a problem with the power source. So, with all this said, are flickering LED lights dangerous?
The short answer is yes! Flickering lights can be dangerous if they are not checked and repaired. If you have flickering lights in your home, it’s essential to have an electrician take a look at them to determine the cause. While some reasons for flickering lights are not dangerous, others can pose a serious fire hazard.
So, if you notice any flickering lights in your home, don’t ignore them. Instead, check them out by a professional to ensure your safety.
What Causes Flickering LED Lights?
There are a few different things that can cause flickering lights. Here are a few of the most common causes:
1. An Issue With The Bulb
This is the most common reason for flickering lights. Sometimes, the connection between the bulb and socket can be loose, which will cause flickering.
Another way this happens is when the bulb is screwed in too tightly. This can cause the filament to break, resulting in flickering.
So a lot of the time, if LED light bulbs do flicker, it’s often the bulb that’s the culprit.
2. A Problem With The Power Source
Sometimes, flickering lights can also be caused by a problem with the power source. This could be due to a loose connection, a tripped breaker, or a blown fuse. Let me take this one by one.
A loose connection is one of the most common problems. This happens when the wires that supply power to the light become loose. Over time, this can cause arcing (sparks), which can be dangerous.
A tripped breaker or blown fuse can also cause flickering lights. If you have a circuit breaker that’s tripped, it can cause the lights to flicker. This is because the power is being interrupted.
The same goes for a blown fuse. If a fuse blows, it will also cause the lights to flicker. So as you can see, there are a few different things that can cause flickering lights. In most cases, it’s not dangerous. However, there are a few exceptions that I’ll touch on later.
3. Loose Wiring
Sometimes, flickering lights can also be caused by loose wiring. This is especially common in older homes.
Over time, the wires can become loosened from their connections. This can cause flickering, which can be dangerous.
4. A Faulty Dimmer Switch
If you have a dimmer switch, it could also be the cause of flickering lights. Dimmer switches work by interrupting the power supply to the light.
This can cause flickering, and if the dimmer switch is faulty, it can also pose a fire hazard. So if you have flickering lights and a dimmer switch, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional.
Possible Dangers Of Flickering LED Lights
While flickering lights are not necessarily dangerous, a few potential dangers could occur if the issue is not addressed.
1. Fire
One of the biggest dangers is fire. If a loose connection causes the flickering, it could create sparks that could start a fire.
Even if a loose connection does not cause the flickering, it could still be dangerous. For example, an issue with the power source could cause an electrical surge that could start a fire.
So, if you have flickering lights in your home, you must have them checked out as soon as possible to avoid any potential danger.
2. Electric Shocks
Electric shocks are also a possibility if flickering lights are not repaired. LED lights work by conducting electricity through a semiconductor material. If a loose connection causes the flickering, it could create an electrical arc.
This arc of electricity can cause electric shocks if you touch the light. In addition, this could also lead to a fire if the electrical arc ignites something else in the home.
If you have flickering lights, it is important to have them repaired.
3. Health Issues
Flickering lights can also cause health issues. So if you have flickering lights in your home, it’s important to have them checked out as soon as possible.
While flickering lights are not necessarily dangerous, they can also cause various health problems. These include migraines, headaches, dizziness, and even seizures.
You must see a doctor if you have flickering lights and experience any of these symptoms. They will be able to determine if the flickering lights cause your symptoms.
4. Anxiety and Stress
In addition to causing physical problems, flickering lights can also lead to anxiety and stress. This is especially true if the flicker is constant or happens frequently.
If you find flickering lights are causing you anxiety or stress, you must talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you develop coping mechanisms to deal with the problem.
Also, it will be best if you fix the flickering lights as soon as possible. Doing so will help reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
5. Difficulty Sleeping
Flickering lights can also make it difficult to sleep. So if you have flickering lights in your bedroom, it’s important to have them repaired.
This is because the flicker can disrupt your natural sleep cycle. In addition, it can also cause anxiety and stress, which can make it difficult to fall asleep.
If you have difficulty sleeping, it could be due to flickering lights; it’s important to see a doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your sleep problems and develop a treatment plan.
Steps On What To Do If Your LED Lights Are Flickering
If your LED lights are flickering, you can do a few things.
- First, you should check the lightbulbs to see if they need to be replaced. If they do, replace them with new ones.
- Next, you should check the connections to make sure they are tight. If they are loose, tighten them. Finally, if the flickering persists, you should contact a professional to check the issue. They will be able to determine the cause of the flickering and make any necessary repairs.
- Another thing to do is to check the power source. If there is an issue with the power source, it could be causing the flickering. If this is the case, you should contact an electrician to have the problem fixed.
- You should avoid touching the light if it is flickering. You could be electrocuted if a loose connection causes the flickering.
- Another thing you should do is to avoid using the light if it is flickering. As I have already mentioned a couple of times, this is because the flickering could cause a fire.
- You also want to turn off the faulty LED lights and keep the circuit off until you can get a professional to check it out.
- For LED light flickering, you cannot see or detect with the naked eye, it is best to leave it to the professionals as this could be a sign of a much bigger problem.
- A simple way to detect LED light flickering that’s not visible is to point a phone camera to the LED light source and see if the camera picks up any strobing effects.
- If it does, there is a good chance your LED lights are flickering even though you cannot see them with your eyes.
How To Prevent The Dangers Of LED Light Flickering
- The best way to prevent the dangers of LED light flickering is to have them fixed as soon as possible.
- You should contact a professional if you notice that your lights are flickering. They will be able to determine the cause of the problem and make any necessary repairs.
- A loose wire can sometimes cause flickering LED lights. If this is the case, it is essential to have the wire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
- Another way to prevent the dangers of flickering LED lights is to ensure they are properly installed. This means that a qualified electrician should install them.
- If you are unsure how to install LED lights properly, you should contact a professional. They will be able to help you with the installation process and make sure that your lights are installed correctly.
- Making sure that your LED lights are installed correctly is the best way to prevent the dangers of flickering LED lights.
