A flickering LED light is not always caused by the bulb itself. A few weeks ago, I attended a property on St George’s Way where the lounge, hallway and outside lights were controlled from a three-gang switch in the hallway.
Most of the time, everything worked normally, but the hallway pendant flickered whenever it was switched on. I checked the pendant first and confirmed that the cables were securely connected. The fault remained.
The hallway switch looked like an old-fashioned lever switch, but it was actually a newer decorative cover fitted over the original white plastic switch. Once I removed the cover, I found that the internal mechanism had become loose and was no longer holding the switches securely underneath. I replaced the three-gang switch, tested the lighting and the flickering disappeared.
Why Do LED Lights Flicker?
Common causes I find include:
- A worn or loose light switch
- Poor connections at a fitting or junction
- A failing LED bulb or driver
- An unsuitable dimmer switch
- Old transformers left in place after halogen bulbs were replaced
- Poor-quality LED fittings
- Loose terminations caused by previous DIY electrical work
- Heat damage inside an old fitting
- Voltage fluctuations elsewhere on the circuit
One flickering bulb may simply be faulty. Several lights flickering together can point towards a loose connection, switch fault or wider circuit problem. Perhaps you’ve had work elsewhere which could have affected the circuit.
If you are searching for why LED lights flicker in Tamworth, or for someone to troubleshoot flickering LED lights near me, I can inspect the installation and identify the likely cause before recommending a repair.
What Happens When You Book?
I begin with a home or business visit and an initial inspection. I will ask when the flickering occurs, whether it affects one light or several, and whether it happens when another appliance is switched on.
I then check the likely fault points, which may include the bulb, LED driver, dimmer, switch, light fitting and accessible connections.
Once I understand the problem, I provide a clear and simple quote so you know what you are paying for. If you accept the quote and a straightforward fault is suspected, troubleshooting and repair can often begin immediately.
Most flickering-light investigations take around one hour. All agreed work and materials used are included in the quote.
After the repair, I carry out functional testing and walk through the completed work with you to confirm that the lights are operating correctly and that you are satisfied.
Faults That Should Not Be Ignored
A flickering light should be switched off and investigated promptly if it is accompanied by:
- Crackling or buzzing
- A burning smell
- Heat around a switch or fitting
- Discolouration
- Lights becoming unusually bright or dim
- Circuit breakers or RCDs tripping
- Flickering across several rooms
Loose electrical connections can generate heat, so changing the bulb repeatedly without checking the circuit may leave the real problem unresolved. The very fact that bulbs are failing quickly is a reason to get it looked at. This is showing you likely have high resistance and heat developing causing the failures.
I also occasionally find lighting problems following DIY alterations, replacement fittings or work involving extra sockets or additional sockets. The timing does not always prove that the new work caused the problem, but it is useful information when tracing what has changed on the installation.
Clear Quotes and Local Electrical Fault Finding
I have seven years’ experience troubleshooting domestic and commercial electrical faults. I am NVQ Level 3 qualified and NAPIT registered, and Tamworth Electricians has received more than 90 five-star reviews.
I aim to respond to enquiries within two hours. My workmanship is guaranteed for 12 months, with parts also covered by the relevant manufacturer’s warranty.
For help diagnosing flickering LED lights in a home, rental property or business premises, call Carl at Tamworth Electricians on 01827 799 876.
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