Lights Flickering? Here’s What Your Home or Business Needs to Know | Voltage Ventures
Flickering lights may seem like a minor annoyance at first.
But, depending on the frequency of your lights flickering, it could be a sign of a bigger issue in your home or business – one that could become a hazard or costly repairs down the road.
In Southern Manitoba, occasional flickering can happen due to strong prairie winds.
However, if it happens regularly, it’s important to have your electrical system checked out by a professional.
At Voltage Ventures, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing electrical issues in homes and businesses across Southern Manitoba.
Let’s explore some common causes of flickering lights and when you should call a professional.
Loose or Faulty Light Bulbs
If only one light bulb is flickering, the first thing you should do is check if it's screwed in tightly.
You can fix this yourself by turning off the electricity for safety and then gently turning the bulb clockwise until it feels secure.
Another possible cause is an incompatible dimmer switch, it may not be the right size and deliver the right amount of wattage.
Many people are installing LED bulbs nowadays which is great because it promotes energy efficiency, however, not all of them are dimmable and not all switches are compatible with LEDs.
This causes them to flicker.
The solution here would be to replace the bulb or use a compatible dimmer.
Pro Tip: If your lights only flicker when they’re dimmed, you might need an LED-compatible dimmer switch. We can install one for you!
Issues with Light Fixtures or Switches
If your lights are flickering, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong with the bulb or electrical wiring, it could be the light fixture or switch itself.
As small and indestructible light fixtures may seem, we do use them daily, and they can get worn out over time.
Inside every switch, small springs and metal tabs control the electrical connection but, overtime, the connection can become weak, disrupting the steady flow of electricity.
Signs of a faulty switch:
A switch feels soft or spongy compared to others.
You have to wiggle the switch for the light to turn on.
In this case, replacing the switch or fixture usually solves the problem.
However, if your lights are still flickering, a wiring issue may be to blame, and it’s time to call an electrician.
Voltage Fluctuations or Overloaded Circuits
Do your lights flicker when you turn on that washing machine or another large appliance?
It's most likely because you’re drawing more power than your circuit can handle.
What is a circuit, you ask?
A circuit consists of:
Electrical wiring
Circuit breakers
Any devices connected to that circuit
Each device uses a certain amount of electricity, and when the total demand is more than the circuit can handle, lights may flicker.
In extreme cases, your circuit breaker may trip to prevent overheating.
A few warning signs of an overloaded circuit would be flickering lights when using multiple appliances at once, a buzzing sound from outlets or the electrical panel, or a faint burning smell.
To fix this, you could get a panel upgrade or a dedicated circuit for heavy appliances.
Our experts at Voltage Ventures can assess your electrical load and provide the best solution.
Faulty Wiring or Loose Electrical Connections
Flickering lights due to faulty wiring are not just an inconvenience, they’re a fire hazard.
In fact, faulty electrical wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in Canada, so it is important to take any signs seriously.
One way to tell if your flickering lights are because of loose or faulty wiring is to determine if the lights flicker even when appliances or electronics are off.
Signs of loose or damaged wiring:
Lights flickering in multiple rooms – This could be a system-wide wiring issue.
Burning smell or scorch marks near outlets – A sign of overheating wires.
Sparking or buzzing sounds – If you hear crackling or buzzing sounds from outlets or switches, there may be a poor connection.
Frequent circuit breaker trips – Loose wiring can cause electrical instability.
Warm outlets or switches – This could be pointing to heat build up from faulty wiring.
So what causes faulty or loose wiring?
It could be anything from old electrical systems, poorly installed electrical work, or general wear and tear.
If your home is older than 30 years old and hasn’t had an electrical upgrade, your wires may be hanging on for dear life.
Another factor causing your wires to loosen are vibrations from turning large appliances on and off.
Remember those rodents that chewed through your fishing net in the garage? Well, it could be that they chewed through your electrical wiring as well.
Ignoring these problems could put your home and family at risk. Loose or damaged wiring is a major fire hazard, so don't wait for the fire to happen. Contact Voltage Ventures today for a professional inspection!
Issues with Manitoba Hydro’s Power Supply
If you’ve had an electrical inspection done recently but are still experiencing flickering lights, it may not necessarily be an issue with your home's electrical system.
They could be issues with Manitoba Hydro’s power grid.
Common causes of power supply fluctuations:
Storms and extreme weather – Manitoba experiences high winds, ice buildup, and lightning strikes causing flickering lights or short power outages.
Grid overload – In winter, increased electricity usage can cause temporary voltage drops.
Nearby construction or repair – Manitoba Hydro crews working on power lines may cause fluctuations.
Aging Infrastructure – Some areas still rely on older transformers and power lines.
If you suspect you're having issues because of Manitoba's Hydro, visit Manitoba hydro’s website to see if there are any reported power issues in your area.
To combat this issue, consider installing a surge protector to prevent power surges from damaging electronics or a backup generator for uninterrupted power during outages.
Our electricians install whole-home surge protectors and backup generators to keep your power stable.
When to call a Professional Electrician
Not sure whether flickering lights are a big deal or not?
It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Call an expert if you notice:
Flickering lights throughout your home or business
Lights dim when using appliances
Burning smells, buzzing sounds, or warm outlets
Frequent circuit breaker trips
Our team at Voltage Ventures provides fast and reliable electrical repairs across Southern Manitoba.
Don’t risk electrical fires or costly damage – schedule an inspection today!
