Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: davidwiesel, Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Asked on: Monday, April 18, 2011 at 7:02 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:18 am EDT
Question: Hoping someone can give me some ideas on a flickering light situation. Here is the background:On a single circuit I have 6 low voltage lights and 6 line voltage high hats. They are all controlled by 4 switches, 1 of which is a dimmer. When first installed 5 years ago, it worked fine with incandescent bulbs in the high hats. A few weeks ago I switched the incandescent to CFLs. Two weeks later the low voltage lights are flickering (even when not using the dimmer). The CFLs are working fine. The flickering does not happen right when the lights are turned on. It takes anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes for the flickering to start.I switched the CLFs back to the incandescent and it still happens. Any ideas what it could be?Thanks a lot!!David
Possible Causes of Flickering Lights
1. Loose Wiring
Check all wire connections in the circuit, including at the switches, junction boxes, and light fixtures. Loose wires can cause intermittent shorts and voltage fluctuations.
2. Faulty Dimmer Switch
The dimmer switch could be malfunctioning and sending inconsistent power to the lights. Replace the dimmer with a new one.
3. Capacitors
CFLs require capacitors to operate. A faulty capacitor in a CFL or in the circuit can cause voltage spikes and flickering. Replace any suspicious capacitors.
4. Transformers
The low voltage lights require transformers to convert line voltage to low voltage. Check the transformers for any damage or loose connections.
5. Circuit Overloading
The circuit may be overloaded by the combined wattage of the lights. Turn off all lights and measure the voltage at the switches. If it is below 110 volts, the circuit is overloaded.
6. Electrical Harmonics
CFLs generate electrical harmonics that can interfere with other electronic devices in the circuit. Install a harmonic suppressor or check for any other devices that may be generating harmonics.
7. Arcing
Arcing can occur at loose connections or in damaged wires. This can create voltage spikes and flickering. Inspect the circuit for any signs of arcing.
8. Electromagnetic Interference
Electromagnetic interference from nearby appliances or devices can disrupt the electrical signal to the lights. Move any potential sources of interference away from the circuit.
9. Bad Bulbs
While unlikely, it's possible that one or more of the low voltage lights has a faulty bulb that is causing the flickering. Try replacing the bulbs.
10. Flickering Power Source: In rare cases, the electrical power source itself may be flickering. Contact your electrical utility company to investigate. Flag for review