Do the flickering lights in your home have you breaking out in goosebumps and cold sweats? Are you concerned that you might have a not-so-friendly ghost haunting your house? Put those fears to rest. Your home lights are likely flickering due to an electrical issue!
What can cause lights to flicker? Often times the answer is as simple as a loose or defective bulb. When the light is turned OFF and COOL to the touch, remove the bulb and inspect it. If it seems damaged in any way, replace it with a new bulb and screw the new bulb securely into the socket. Hopefully, this resolved your “haunting”! If not, read on!
If the lights flicker at a certain time of day – pay attention to what other electrical usage you have at that time. Did the Air Conditioning just come on? Did you just plug in a table top grill? What appliances are running? If the lights flicker when other appliances kick on, there may be a problem with the appliance or service wiring. This is more than a nuisance—increased current draw can cause wiring, connectors, and breakers to heat up, presenting a real risk of fire. Even without the risk of fire, appliances that have to struggle to draw power can suffer damage to motors and other expensive components.
Defective wiring can also cause flickering lights. Undersized breakers, loose connectors, or damaged wires can all cause intermittent current losses. If your home has a mixture of copper and aluminum wires, special connectors must be used where the two types of wires meet. If the wrong connectors were used, they can corrode, causing flickering and other problems. Any defects in your home’s wiring can create a risk of fire or electrocution, and can render safety features like breakers and GFCIs ineffective.
If you are not able to resolve your flickering lights – don’t call Ghost Busters! Call A1 Electrical. We have been servicing the Sacramento Area including Galt, Auburn, Roseville and North Highlands for over 10 years and we would be happy to help you with any of your home electrical needs. Give us a call at 916-482-3400!
