You’re halfway through rereading your favorite novel, and the lamp beside you flickers like a haunted house movie. Or you changed a bulb, only to have it burn out in a few days. These irritating lighting issues can turn a cozy night into an unpleasant experience. While some electrical problems require a professional, many common lighting headaches are easier to fix on your own.
The Strange Tale of the Blinking Light
Flickering lights can be frustrating and may indicate an electrical issue. Often, the cause is simple: a loose light bulb. If a bulb isn’t screwed in tightly, it can blink on and off. To fix this, tighten the bulb in its socket, ensuring the light switch is off to avoid a jolt. If flickering occurs in multiple lights or is consistent, it may signal a more serious issue, like loose wiring or problems with the main electric panel. In such cases, it’s wise to call an electrician.
Bulbs Burning Out Too Soon? Here’s Why
It’s annoying when bulbs go out all the time, particularly today’s long-lasting bulbs. If your bulbs appear to be burning out much faster than they should, a few factors are usually to blame. Very often, it’s because you are using a bulb with a higher wattage than what the fixture is rated for. Check the label on the light fixture, which will state the maximum wattage that is supported.
This problem could also be due to excessive vibration, especially with ceiling fan lights or fixtures next to a heavily used door. Constant movement can harm the filament of the bulb. Sometimes, the hot oils created by touching a halogen bulb with your hands can cause it to fail, leading to hot spots. Avoid handling them without a cloth or gloves.
Dimmer Switch Drama: Loose Connections
Dimmers are great for achieving the perfect environment for a relaxing evening, but they can also create lighting problems at times. If your lights are behaving strangely when dimmed, or if the dimmer is hot to the touch, it could be overloaded or not designed to work with your bulbs. Many traditional dimmers are not compatible with new LED bulbs and can cause flickering and buzzing. Be sure your dimmer switch is rated for the kind of bulbs you are using.
If you smell something burning, see sparks from a switch or outlet, or if a circuit breaker trips when turning on a light, these are clear warning signs. They may indicate faulty wiring, a short circuit, or an overloaded circuit, which are dangerous fire hazards that should not be ignored. Take no chances when it comes to electricity and call Ambition Electric in Lincoln, NE to troubleshoot serious lighting and electrical issues.
