Is your led bulb flickering and you’re beginning to wonder if it’s going to burn out? In this article, we’re going to explore if there is any truth in led bulbs flickering before they burn out or whether or not it is an indicator that the bulb is about to blow.
So, do led bulbs flicker before they burn out? The answer to this question is a little complicated. In some cases, led bulbs may flicker before they burn out. However, in other cases, the flickering may not be an indicator that the bulb is about to blow.
There are several factors that can contribute to whether or not an led bulb flickers before it burns out. For example;
- the make and model of the bulb
- how often the bulb is used
- the wattage of the bulb
- the surrounding environment, etc.
All these can all play a role in whether or not an led bulb flickers. Therefore, it is difficult to give a general answer to this question. Let’s take a look into the details of the above-mentioned factors.
Factors Contributing To Led Bulb Flickering Before Burns Out
The Make, Model, or Quality of the Led Bulb
Not all led bulbs are created equal. Some are made with better quality materials than others. And, as a result, some will last longer than others.
So, if you have a cheaper led bulb that is flickering, it’s not necessarily a sign that the bulb is about to burn out.
It could just be a low-quality bulb. However, if you have a more expensive led bulb that is flickering, it may be an indicator that the bulb is about to burn out.
How Often The Bulb Is Used
The more often a bulb is used, the sooner it will likely burn out. This is because the more use a bulb gets, the hotter it becomes. And, as we all know, heat can damage electronics over time.
So, if you have an led bulb that’s flickering and you’ve been using it frequently, it’s more likely that the bulb is about to burn out.
However, if you’ve only been using the bulb occasionally, it’s less likely that the flickering is an indicator of a blown bulb, instead, there may be a problem with the bulb’s socket or power supply.
The Wattage of the Bulb
The wattage of an led bulb also plays a role in how long it will last. The higher the wattage of the bulb, the more power it consumes. And, as we all know, too much power can be damaging to electronics over time.
So, if you have an led bulb that’s flickering and it has a high wattage, it’s more likely that the bulb is about to burn out.
However, if you have an led bulb that’s flickering and it has a low wattage, it may not be an indicator of the bulb burning out. It could just be a problem with the bulb itself.
The Surrounding Environment
The environment surrounding an led bulb can also play a role in whether or not it flickers before burning out. For example, if the bulb is in a dusty or humid environment, it may be more likely to flicker.
This is because dust and moisture can cause the electronics inside the bulb to malfunction.
So, if you have an led bulb that’s flickering and it’s in a dusty or humid environment, it’s more likely that the bulb is about to burn out.
How To Determine If Your Flickering Led Bulb Is About To Burn Out
If you’re concerned that your led bulb may be flickering before it burns out, there are a few things you can do to test it;
- Give The Bult A Little Twist
One way to test an led bulb for flickering is to give it a little twist. Doing this will help to reset the led bulb into position. If it is about to burn out, chances are, the flickering will not stop.
But if the led bulb became loose and that was causing the flickering, you will notice it stop to flicker when you twist it back and forth in the bulb socket.
- Remove The Bulb From Its Socket
Another way to test an led bulb for flickering is to remove it from its socket. This will help to determine if the problem is with the bulb itself or with the socket.
If the problem is with the bulb, it will still flicker when it is removed from the socket and replaced with another one.
However, if the problem is with the socket, the flickering will not stop even when you exchange the bulb with a new one.
- Check The Bulb’s Filament
The filament inside an led bulb can also help to determine if the flickering means the bulb is about to burn out. If you can see that the filament is broken or has started to blacken, the bulb is likely about to burn out.
However, if the filament looks normal, it’s less likely that the flickering is an indicator of the led bulb being about to be blown.
- Check The Led Bulb Capacitor
Another way to check if your led bulb is about to burn out is by checking the capacitor. If the capacitor has started to bulge, it means that the bulb is getting too much power and it’s going to blow soon.
But if the capacitor looks normal, it may just be a low-quality bulb. A bulb will always be as good as its capacitor so it is important to have a good one.
If you notice a bad capacitor, you can have it replaced.
The Bottom Line
So, in conclusion, if you have an led bulb that’s flickering, there are a few things you can do to determine if it’s about to burn out.
If the bulb is still flickering after you’ve tried resetting it or removing it from its socket, then it’s more likely that the bulb is
- Check The Bulb’s Socket
Sometimes the bulb’s socket may have dirt or dust stuck in them causing poor contact. This can be fixed by cleaning the socket with a toothbrush.
Another thing you can do is replace the bulb’s socket altogether if the socket is very old.
- Check Your Electrical Panel
Also, if you’re having a lot of problems with your led bulbs flickering, it may be an indication that there is something wrong with your electrical panel.
You can simply give the screws of your panel box a gentle twist to snug it fit. This might be all that you need to get your led bulb flickering under control.
It’s best to call a professional electrician to take a look at it and fix this type of problem.
- Check Your Power Supply Issues
If all of the above solutions don’t work, it’s possible that you have a power supply issue. In this case, you will need to call an electrician to help resolve the problem.
- Check For Compatibility Issues
This is often the case if you have to fix a new led bulb with an old or existing dimmer. You can check the led fixture box to see what instruction they have for the type of dimmers that works perfectly well with them.
Final Thoughts
While an led bulb will sometimes flicker before it burns out, it is not always a sign that the bulb is about to go.
There are many things you can do to determine if the flickering is just an annoyance or a sign that the bulb needs to be replaced.
If it is determined that the led bulb is about to burn out, there are some solutions that can help prevent this from happening. In most cases, it’s best to call a professional to take care of the problem.