Have you noticed that some or all of the lights in your home are flickering? At first, it might have been just mildly annoying. But as you notice this problem more frequently, it becomes more of a nuisance. However, there is more to it than just an odd dimming of your lights. It could be an indication of a much more severe and potentially dangerous issue in your home.
Can Flickering Lights Cause A Fire?
The most common cause of house fires is a loose electrical wire. And frequently, it is a loose wire that is also the cause of flickering lights. And because these two issues are so closely related, it is imperative that you call a licensed electrician as soon as you notice flickering lights in your home. Never trust a handyman or anyone who is not trained and licensed when it comes to something as potentially hazardous as loose wiring in your home.
Only a licensed electrician will be trained to inspect all of your home’s electrical wiring rather than just the one area where lights were flickering. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that house fires occur in over one million homes each year. And the result is billions of dollars in damage and thousands of people injured or killed. Don’t risk the safety of your loved ones and your home. As soon as you see a flickering light, call in the professionals.
Voltage Fluctuation
Sometimes lights flicker when an appliance with a high electrical draw is turned on. If your lights continue to blink after the appliance turns off, your home could be fluctuating power too much. Typical residential electrical flow is around 120 volts. If the fluctuation increases above 120 volts, it is in the danger range. Not only does this create safety issues, but it also is very costly. The best course of action is to call in a professional electrician to check the voltage in your home to ensure your safety.
Other Causes Of Flickering Lights
If you have only one flickering light, the issue could be in the fixture or even the bulb. In the case of a lamp, carefully check the light bulb to ensure that it is screwed into the socket completely. That could be a simple and safe fix for your flickering light issue. If the bulb is tight but still flickering, replace it with a new bulb to determine if the problem is a damaged or worn out lightbulb. You can also try putting the flickering lightbulb into another lamp. If the lightbulb works in another lamp, then the light fixture or outlet is the problem. Move the lamp plug to a different outlet to see if the outlet is the issue. By the simple process of elimination, you can determine if the lamp, lightbulb, or outlet is the issue.
When You Are Concerned About Any Electrical Issue
The thought of an electrical problem like a loose wire or something more severe like too much voltage fluctuation is very frightening. And any indication of a problem should be taken very seriously, from a flickering light to an odd odor or smell of smoke. All of these are signs that you need to call (703) 463-9866 immediately. A licensed electrician from Circuit Doctor will arrive quickly to access the problem and provide you with the solutions you need. Our primary concern is always the safety and peace of mind of our valued customers.
As a full-service electrical contractor, our company is licensed to install, repair, and renovate all types of residential electrical systems. And because we know that issues can appear at any hour of the day or night, we offer emergency service 24/7, so you never need to worry about the safety of your loved ones in your home. Just call (703) 463-9866, and our team will be dispatched to your home immediately.
