Nothing can be more frustrating than flickering lights in your home. Flickering recessed lights can be annoying and even dangerous if not taken care of properly. The good news is that it’s usually an easy fix.
In general, whether you have LED bulbs, LED lights, regular incandescent bulbs, or any other type of lighting in your recessed light fixtures, they can all flicker if the wattage is excessive or if there is too much heat.
Led lights are especially prone to flickering due to their lower wattage requirements, meaning when they don’t have enough power or the wiring isn’t right, they can start to flicker. Now, why do my recessed lights flicker?
This could be caused by a few different things:
- Too much wattage on the bulb
- Poor wiring
- Overheating
- The malfunctioning thermal protection switch
Let’s now explore in detail why your recessed lights may be flickering and how to solve the problem.
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Reasons Why Recessed Lights Flicker
Recessed lights are a popular choice for many households as they provide a great source of light while also looking stylish. However, some people have noticed that their recessed lights begin to flicker from time to time and are not sure why this is happening. Understanding why your recessed lights may be flickering will help you decide how best to fix the issue.
The most common reasons why recessed lights flicker are due to LED bulbs, excessive light bulb wattage, too much heat generated in the recessed light fixture, loose wiring, or a fault in the thermal protection switch.
LED Bulbs
LED lights can be more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs but they may cause flickering when used in recessed fixtures. This is because some dimmers and other controls are not compatible with LED bulbs. If you have LED lights in your recessed fixtures, it is important to make sure that they are compatible with the dimmer and other lighting controls that are being used.
Excessive Light Bulb Wattage
It is important to ensure that the wattage of your light bulb does not exceed the recommended limit for your recessed light fixture. If the wattage of your bulb is too high, it can cause the lights to flicker or even burn out prematurely.
Too Much Heat
Another common reason why recessed lights may start to flicker is due to too much heat in the fixture itself. The bulbs in a recessed light are housed within a fixture which may become blocked with dust or other debris, making it difficult for the heat to escape. This can then cause the lights to flicker as they become too hot.
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Loose Wiring
Problems with the wiring or circuitry can also cause your recessed lights to flicker. If the wiring is not installed correctly it can cause a loose connection, resulting in flickering. It is also important to make sure that your light fixtures are properly grounded as this can prevent any electrical issues from occurring.
Thermal Protection Switch
If your recessed lights are flickering due to excessive heat, there is a chance that the thermal protection switch could be faulty. This switch is designed to cut off the power to the lights in case of excessive heat. If this switch is faulty, it may cause your lights to flicker as they are continuously being switched on and off.
Solutions to Fix Flickering Recessed Lights
The most common solutions for why recessed lights flicker are changing the bulb type, checking the wattage of the bulb, ventilating the recessed light fixture, and checking for a fault in the thermal protection switch.
Use LED Lights
If you are using incandescent bulbs in your recessed lights then it is recommended that you change them to LED lights instead. LED lights are more energy efficient and they are also compatible with many dimmer switches and other lighting controls.
Check Wattage
You should make sure that the wattage of your bulb does not exceed the recommended limit for your recessed light fixture. This will help to prevent the lights from flickering or burning out prematurely.
Ventilate Fixture
It is important to make sure that the recessed light fixture is adequately ventilated so that the heat can escape. Check for any blockages or obstructions in the vents and clear them away if necessary.
Check Thermal Protection Switch
If your lights are flickering due to excessive heat, it could be because of a fault in the thermal protection switch. Check this switch and make sure that it is working correctly. If it is faulty, you should replace it.
Grounding Wires
If the flickering is due to a loose connection in the wiring, you should make sure that all of your light fixtures are properly grounded. This will help to keep them from flickering and ensure a safe electrical system.
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Conclusion
If your recessed lights are flickering, do not panic! There are a few simple solutions that can help to fix the problem. Check the compatibility with LED bulbs, make sure that the wattage of the bulb does not exceed the recommended limit for your recessed light fixture, ventilate the recessed light fixture, and check for a fault in the thermal protection switch. Remember that flickering lights can be dangerous so it is important to take the necessary steps to fix them as soon as possible.
By understanding why your lights may start to flicker and trying the solutions above, you can get your recessed lights back to functioning correctly. If none of these solutions work, it’s always a good idea to call in an electrician for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a resistor stop the LED flicker?
Yes, adding a resistor to the LED circuit can help reduce or eliminate any flickering. You can do this by soldering a resistor to the LED power input or using a special LED dimmer switch.
Do all LED lights need a resistor?
No, not all LED lights need a resistor. However, if you are experiencing flickering with your LED lights it is recommended that you add one to help reduce or eliminate any flickering.
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