We’re all sold LED lighting as an efficient, durable, alternative to traditional lighting systems. And, as such, they are becoming ever more common in UK homes. So, when an LED light starts flickering, flashing, or pulsing it can be frustrating. Especially so when replacing the bulb doesn’t resolve the problem.
The good news is that there are several possible explanations. Some are reasonably simple to solve. Others might require calling and electrician to investigate.
The LED Bulb May Be the Problem
The simplest explanation is often the bulb itself. LEDs rely on electronic components called drivers to regulate the current that reaches the LED. If the driver is failing or poorly made, the light may flicker.
If only one bulb is affected, replacing it with a good-quality equivalent is a sensible first step.
Your Dimmer Switch May Not Be Compatible
Incompatible dimmer switches are particularly common when older dimmer switches are used.
Traditional dimmers were designed to work with older lighting systems. Sometimes they just don’t work with modern LEDs. The result can be flickering, buzzing, or just a simple refusal to dim.
Traditional dimmers were designed around older types of lighting and may not work correctly with modern LEDs. The result can be flickering, buzzing or LEDs that refuse to dim properly.
If your lights only flicker when they are dimmed, compatibility is one of the first things worth investigating.
There Could Be a Loose Connection
Sometimes the flickering is caused by intermittent power to a light, this is symptomatic of a loose connection somewhere in the lighting system.
Simply changing a bulb won’t help here, and in fact this probably requires an electrician. The connections should not be treated lightly, or as something to experiment with. If flickering persists, particularly if several lights are affected, you should call Maintenance Services Electrical to properly investigate.
Your LED May Be Poor Quality
Not all LED products are made equally. Some are manufactured to a substandard.
Very cheap bulbs may use low-quality components. Whilst the price point might seem incredibly attractive, there may be a very good reason that they are cheaper. They may be prone to problems or have a much shorter lifespan.
Choosing quality lighting from a reputable manufacturer is often worth the investment.
Is the Whole Circuit Flickering?
If a single LED is flickering, the bulb, fitting or local connection could be responsible. If multiple lights are flickering at the same time, particularly across different rooms, there could be a wider electrical issue that needs investigating.
This is one reason it is worth taking flickering lights seriously rather than simply assuming that all LEDs occasionally do it.
When Should You Call an Electrician?
If changing the bulb doesn’t resolve the issue, or if there are several lights flickering, this the time to consider calling in the experts.
Similarly, you should seek professional help if you notice a buzzing, smell burning, or notice any discolouration around switches and fittings.
Flickering might be nothing more than an incompatible bulb or dimmer. But it can also be a symptom of an underlying electrical problem.
Don't Just Put Up with Flickering
LED lighting should provide consistent, reliable illumination. If your lights are repeatedly flickering, there is usually a reason.
Replacing a faulty bulb may solve a simple problem, but persistent flickering is worth investigating. An electrician will be able to identify whether the issue lies with the lamp, fitting, driver, dimmer, connection or wider electrical installation, and recommend the appropriate solution.
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