Older homes have an incredible amount of charm and nostalgia. While some of that charm stems from the old-world construction practices of ornate stonework and interesting woodworking, there are also negative aspects of living in a dated home, namely the electrical system. We bought our first older home a few years ago, and it has been interesting to see just how much of a problem the electrical system has been. We knew that we needed to update a large portion of the space, so we started going through and having sections replaced. This website is here to help other people to know when to work with electricians.
Do the lights in your home flicker? If so, you may wonder what is causing this weird phenomenon to occur. Flickering lights can be a simple issue. However, sometimes the issue should be treated as an electrical emergency. The issue can lead to some serious consequences such as an electrical fire. Someone in your family could also get electrocuted and possibly lose their life. The following points represent a few things that could be the cause of the flickering lights in your home.
Light Bulb Issue
The first thing you should do if you notice a flickering lights issue that is reserved in one room of your home is check the light bulb. Attempt to tighten the bulb to see if it corrects the issue. You can try changing the bulb if the issue continues because it could be a faulty light bulb. The final check for a light bulb issue is to check the type of light bulbs you are using in the room. Fluorescent light bulbs may flicker if the indoor temperatures are cold. The issue should resolve itself when the bulb(s) get warm.
Service Conductor Issues
This type of issue will present itself as flickering through the whole home. Service conductor issues are related to the utility company, but they may also involve the electric panel box and its connectivity to the service conductors. An electrician can inspect and determine if the service conductors are loose or need to be replaced. It is important to take this issue seriously because loose service conductors can lead to electrical fires.
Power Surge
You might notice a power surge when you turn on robust appliances. This will likely cause flickering in the room where the appliance is located. If it happens every time you turn on the appliance, it is a sign that you may need an electrical panel upgrade. This type of flickering lights issue is one that you might get used to. However, it is something that should not be dismissed as unimportant. It can cause serious issues if a panel upgrade is not made. You run the risk of damaging appliances or other items in your home. There is also a risk of fire.
Wiring Issues
There are a variety of wiring issues that can contribute to flickering lights. Outdated wiring, loose wiring, worn wiring, and damaged wiring can all cause issues with lighting. Wiring can become damaged due to natural deterioration or from pests gnawing through it. It should be taken seriously because wires can overheat and cause a fire. An electrician is the best resource to use to determine why your lights flicker. Contact someone like Gotto Electric for assistance.