Electricity is an integral part of everyday life. In any living space you can find electric light bulbs and appliances. There are situations when the lights in a house or apartment flicker.
If the light blinks once, then you can ignore it. However, if this happens regularly, then it is worth thinking about the causative factors . What to do when this problem occurs, and how to find out why the light is flickering? When the lights in an apartment blink, there are different reasons.
Causes
There are several reasons why light flickers:
- Unstable network voltage due to an accident at an electrical substation.
- Faulty lighting fixture or bulb.
- Poor contact between the wires in the junction box.
- Damage to the apartment panel, that is, there may be problems with circuit breakers or fuses.
- Wear and tear of the electrical cable that was laid in the room.
- Fault in the connecting contacts of the electrical wiring.
- A flickering light can be observed if a welding machine is connected to the same network as the owner of the apartment, which affects the voltage reduction.
- Accident at an electrical substation.
When figuring out the reason why the light flickers, it is important to take all necessary precautions for work.
Why do the lights blink in an apartment in 2021?
Electricity is an integral part of everyday life. Light bulbs and various lighting devices are widely used to illuminate residential and non-residential premises. No one is immune from breakdowns that periodically occur in every home. Sometimes lighting fixtures in the apartment begin to flicker.
Electrical pulsation negatively affects the human nervous system and vision. It can cause damage to electrical appliances, short circuits and fires. If the light in the apartment blinks, there are different reasons. In any case, the owner of the premises must take urgent measures to eliminate the malfunction.
Therefore, a professional electrician with the necessary knowledge and skills must determine the cause of the flickering light and eliminate it. The most common reasons causing flickering of lighting fixtures in a room for any purpose:
Lights flash throughout the room
If the lighting flickers throughout the apartment, as well as in the neighbors and in the entrance, the services that maintain the house must fix the problem.
Why does the light blink:
- The most common reason is an overload of the electricity network. This occurs if the owners of several apartments use powerful household appliances, for example, heaters and air conditioners.
- The house uses powerful household appliances and electrical appliances, but the wiring is outdated and has not changed since the days of the Soviet Union. Decades ago, the number of appliances in homes could be counted on one hand. The solution to the problem is to completely replace the wiring or additionally install a step-down transformer.
- Flickering can be caused by scheduled repairs at the entrance. Repairs are often accompanied by the use of a rotary hammer, drill, welding machine and other devices that consume large amounts of electricity.
Power problems
The first step is to find out how good the power supply is in the apartment, since problems of this kind can be the cause of a blinking light bulb. Frequently changing voltage values in the electrical network can lead to malfunctioning light bulbs or electrical appliances.
During short-term surges, electrical appliances may not feel the mains voltage drops. However, if a powerful surge occurs, the likelihood of emergency situations increases.
ATTENTION! If such a problem occurs, the most correct solution would be to de-energize the apartment from the incoming voltage and unplug all household appliances from the sockets to avoid their breakdown.
It must be borne in mind that some household appliances are not designed to work with low voltage, which may also affect their operating condition.
Household appliances and lighting
Lighting is built into some lighting fixtures: kitchen hoods, ovens, microwave ovens. Flickering in them is sometimes a confirmation of a malfunctioning household appliance. To determine the cause, examine the cable in the distribution panel that powers a specific device. If all other household appliances are working properly and no defects were found in the wiring, the reason lies in the appliance itself.
You must immediately disconnect the device from the voltage. You should try to replace the light bulb in it and check the contacts, perhaps they have oxidized and become dirty.
It is strictly prohibited to work with any household appliances without special protective equipment and tools. You can only use the standard controls without disassembling the devices. If a person does not have electrician skills, it is better to contact a qualified specialist. Electric shock does not warn you in advance, and the consequences can be disastrous.
Source
Light bulb flickering
First you need to decide whether the blinking occurs with one light bulb or a whole group.
If other lighting elements work normally, then the problem is in the lamp itself, the luminaire, and possibly in the switch. If the switch is faulty, a crackling sound will be heard inside the case, which indicates the presence of a weak contact in it. The cause of the malfunction can be different, including from the entry of debris to its failure. In this case, after repairing or replacing with a new switch, the flashing light may no longer interfere.
If replacing the light bulbs and switch did not help, you should check all electrical wiring for faults.
If the repair is carried out independently, then you must first turn off the electricity . Then check the integrity of the light bulb socket. If they are not burnt and slightly bent, then its working condition is suitable.
After inspecting the lighting fixture, electrical voltage is applied to check its functionality. If the light is still blinking, then the next step is to check the connection of the wires of the lighting fixture to the cable.
Reasons and ways to solve the problem of flickering lights in an apartment
Such a phenomenon as power surges is not uncommon in our country. It causes discomfort to people in the form of flickering lights, and reduces the service life of electrical appliances due to forced overloads. There are quite a lot of reasons that contribute to surges and dips in electrical voltage. But whatever the reason, to avoid premature failure of electrical appliances, this problem must be solved. The reasons and ways to eliminate this problem will be discussed in the article.
It’s one thing when the light flashes briefly only a couple of times a year.
Another thing is when the blinking of lights in an apartment or a separate room has become a constant occurrence. The lamp is most often to blame for why the light blinks. You should look for the cause in a lamp or chandelier when the rest of the electrical appliances and lamps in the house are working normally.
Plugged in
In this case, the operation of the lamp must be checked by connecting it to another outlet. If the light does not blink, the reason lies in a malfunction of the original socket. If the flickering continues, then you should check the lamp itself and its switching equipment.
ATTENTION! Repair of the socket can only be carried out after removing the voltage on this line.
After conducting a visual inspection and evaluating the tightening screws, it is necessary to tighten the tightening bolts, thereby ensuring reliable contact. If the fault remains, it is better to replace the socket with a working one.
Old wiring
If the lighting fixtures and power supply are in good condition, then the next step will be to check the quality and integrity of the electrical wiring itself.
Due to its long-term operation, the power cable may wear out, as well as damage to the contact connections in the distribution boxes.
Also, light flickering can occur due to simultaneous electrical load due to the inclusion of a large number of devices and equipment.
You can check this by unplugging some powerful electrical appliance, such as a refrigerator. If the flickering continues when the refrigerator is turned off, then the problem is in the wiring itself.
To check the contacts, the line is also de-energized and the wires are isolated from each other at the place where they are twisted. If there is weak contact at this point, then the wires at the twisted point must be retightened. If it is burnt, then it needs to be cleaned.
If the condition of the wires in the box is satisfactory, then you should check the location of their connection in the distribution panel to the zero strip and circuit breakers. In this case, it is worth paying attention to the tightening of the screws on the machines and if there is weak contact, then tighten them.
Quite rarely, but damage to the electrical wiring itself still happens, especially if it consists of aluminum wires, which are very fragile and easily break at the bend.
During installation work, one of the cable cores may be damaged, and this place will heat up under the influence of electrical load. As a result, a short circuit and even a fire may occur.
The only solution to this problem is to replace a new cable in the faulty area. Replacing the cable yourself should only be done in compliance with all safety precautions.
IMPORTANT! If specialized knowledge and experience are required to replace wires, then it is better to use the help of specialists, since incorrect work with electricity can be harmful to health and life-threatening.
What to do if the lights in the apartment are flickering?
The light can blink in different ways: throughout the entire apartment, in one room or in one section of the lighting fixture.
If the lights are blinking throughout the apartment, you need to contact your neighbors and find out if the same thing is happening to them.
Do your neighbors have the same problem? Then the reason must be looked for outside the apartment: on the main supply cable, in the common panel or in the electrical distribution network of the house.
In this case, the emergency utility service must deal with the elimination of the flickering lights.
Flickering light bulbs in the apartment
If the light only blinks in your apartment, then the fuse may be faulty or the problem lies in the electrical panel on the staircase . Sometimes the lights do not blink in all rooms; in this case, the matter is most likely in the incorrect “dose” of light distribution throughout the apartment and the fault should be looked for in the distribution box located inside the apartment. In this case, it is better for the owners to call an electrician.
When several bulbs in a chandelier burn well, but one flickers, then the reason should be sought in the lighting fixture itself, inside the switch or in the wiring section between them . You can determine if there is a problem inside the switch by listening to it. When you put your ear to the switch, you will hear a faint crackling or hissing sound that is produced due to poor contact.
To check the chandelier yourself, unscrew the flickering light bulb and install another working one in its place. Perhaps the old light bulb has simply used up its resource. If the new light bulb continues to blink, then look for a fault in the lamp’s electrical fittings or wiring. In the latter case, only a specialist electrician can help.
If the working lamp blinks, try connecting it to another outlet . If the blinking continues, then the lighting fixture itself will have to be repaired or replaced. If the flickering stops, then the problem should be looked for inside the outlet.
If the lights in the entire apartment are flashing, then first of all, turn off the power from the incoming voltage, unplug all devices from the sockets to avoid their breakdown. Some household appliances are not able to operate at low voltage and may break.
Old wiring
If all lighting fixtures are in good condition, then the owner’s task is to check the quality and integrity of all electrical wiring. Due to its long-term operation, cable wires may wear out, and contact connections in junction boxes may also be damaged.
In addition, light flickering can occur due to a large electrical load when several electrical and technical devices are simultaneously connected to the network . To check if this is the case, unplug some powerful electrical appliance, for example, an oven or refrigerator.
Has everything returned to normal? So the problem is fixed. If, after turning off the device, the blinking continues, then look for another cause of the malfunction. Most likely, the problem lies in the wiring elements.
Check the contacts by de-energizing the lines and insulating the wires from each other where they are twisted . Did you find a weak connection at this point? Retighten the wires where they are twisted. If they are hot, you must first clean them.
If the condition of the wires in the junction box is normal, then check the location of their connection in the panel to the zero strip and circuit breakers. In this case, pay attention to the tightening of the screws on the machines; If you see a weak connection here, then tighten the screws.
In rare cases, damage occurs within the wiring itself, especially when it consists of aluminum wires; They are very fragile and easily break at the bend.
During the installation process, the cable core may be damaged, and under the influence of electrical load this place will heat up. The result can be sad - a short circuit in the electrical wiring and even a fire.
This problem can be solved by replacing a new cable in the faulty area . This type of work can only be done by someone who understands electricity, and it is best to have it done by a qualified electrician. Cable replacement must be carried out in compliance with all safety precautions.
Voltage stabilization
If the light blinks constantly, then the reason may lie in a periodic drop in network voltage. In case of systematic power outages, it is recommended to contact the power supply service; It is this organization that is obliged to supply high-quality voltage. However, fluctuating voltage in the network is not always a consequence of mistakes made by company specialists.
Sometimes this problem is created by the residents themselves, by connecting electrical appliances of enormous power to the network, which are absolutely unsuitable for the voltage level designed to supply electricity to the house or apartment. For example, welding machines, powerful heaters, especially older models.
Isn't that the reason? Then buy a voltage stabilizer . Otherwise, electrical appliances and household appliances may be damaged due to voltage surges.
The stabilizer accepts an incoming unstable voltage and produces a voltage with a normal and stable value. For household electrical appliances, the voltage range is from 210 to 230 V. This device will protect household appliances from surges, and the light will no longer flicker. Today, specialized stores offer a large selection of stabilizers designed for different power ratings of electrical appliances.
A voltage stabilizer is installed on separate groups of devices or at the input of the supply line before distributing electricity throughout the apartment . Before installing the device, turn off all household electrical appliances. If the light is flashing in other apartments, then first turn off the toggle switch on the distribution panel.
Next, fill out a request or call the power grid about existing violations. Get contact phone numbers from utility service employees.
Who should I contact if the lights in my apartment are flickering?
The companies providing this service are responsible for the reliability and quality of the supplied power supply and maintaining a stable voltage. If the light flickers, seek help from the specialists of the company with which the management organization has entered into an agreement for the provision of electricity supply services to an apartment building.
The easiest way is to contact the Management Company itself, which is responsible for the provision of all services in your apartment building. Management company employees are obliged to respond to the problem that has arisen.
If the reaction is zero, file a complaint with Rospotrebnadzor . This is a controlling authority that will definitely check the work of both the Management Company and the specific service provider, i.e. electrical service.
At the end of the article, we note once again that flickering light has a negative effect on the visual and nervous system; In addition, such pulsation of electricity can damage household appliances, lead to a short circuit or fire.
It is important to find the cause in a timely manner and eliminate it as quickly as possible on your own or with the help of specialists, while observing all the necessary safety measures.
