Are your LED lights flickering? It may reduce productivity, lower energy efficiency, and create safety risks. Fixing older fluorescent or incandescent bulbs was often straightforward. But when it comes to LED lights, the causes of flicker are not always immediately apparent.
In this article, we will explain why LED lights flicker and the practical solutions to keep your lighting stable and reliable. Read on!
LED bulbs may flicker when the supply frequency is below 50 Hz. Loose or incorrect wiring, incompatible dimmer switches, or faulty bulb assemblies (such as defective LED drivers) can also cause LED bulbs to flicker. Other common causes include:
● Defective LED DriversLED drivers not only operate as a system that manages current but also as a protection pad. Defective LED drivers can cause flickering due to increased susceptibility to heat over time.
● Loose Wiring or Connections
Loose wiring or loose bulbs can cause the blinking LED lights. This is usually the result of improper handling during installation. If multiple lights are flashing simultaneously, there may be a problem with the panel or connection points that needs to be re-tightened.
● Incompatible Dimmers
Another common cause is using an incompatible dimmer switch in the circuit. Dimmer switches work by rapidly turning a bulb’s power on and off multiple times per second, a method that doesn’t work well with most LED lights.
● Inferior Fixtures or Light Bulbs
Lower-quality LED bulbs are more prone to flickering. High-quality bulbs are more expensive, but they can save you the cost of frequent repairs and replacements in the long run.
● Voltage or Power Surges
Voltage fluctuations can affect LED performance, especially with low-quality drivers. If there are devices in the same circuit that use high-power loads connected to your LED lights, high-quality drivers stabilize LED output. Repeated surges can wear out the drive and cause delayed failures.
Identify the current setup with your LED lighting. The most common reason for a flickering T8, for example, is a loose connection somewhere in the circuit. Identifying wiring or power issues causing flicker will help resolve the problem. See how to do it below:
● Examine the fixture for loose wiring and secure it.
● Secure the screw-in lamp firmly in place.
● Check connection points to ensure they are secure.
● Turn off the power and secure any loose wiring as needed.
Phase-cut dimmer switches can cause flicker in modern LED circuits, which are not always compatible with this type of control.
Ensure the supply voltage is stable and sufficient for all connected devices.
Components in your lights could be defective. If the product is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace the defective component.
If flickering persists after all tests, replace the bulb. Older bulbs don't have the same lifespan ratings as today's products. For example, newer LED T8 bulbs can last more than 50,000 hours while being more energy-efficient than the T8 fluorescent bulbs.
These updated LED lamps are ideal for precision lighting applications. You'll find them in retail locations, mechanics' shops, studios, and even as task lighting.
If you want something with an exceptional lifespan, consider upgrading to a flicker-free EPTA fixture. The L70 option has a rating that exceeds 200,000 hours, which can last for more than four decades with average use.
It's a fact that budget-friendly products aren't always cheaper than investing in something better. When you purchase low-quality LEDs, you'll be more likely to encounter problems with the driver. Other than that, the other issue that impacts cheap drivers involves wattage surges. For example, if you have an appliance, space heater, or microwave that uses a significant power load on the same circuit as an LED, you can cause it to flicker.
Stable drivers help mitigate power spikes, reducing LED flicker. As a result, select an LED bulb that has the proper driver components. For example, full-featured drivers can isolate electrical noise and stabilize power delivery.
If troubleshooting doesn’t solve the flicker problem, consult the manufacturer directly. Products under warranty are typically eligible for repair or replacement. For older bulbs that are out of warranty, the manufacturer can advise on suitable alternatives to ensure consistent lighting performance.
LEDVANCE brings decades of lighting experience together with the latest in LED and smart solutions. Our professional lighting products are engineered to reduce flicker and provide reliable performance. Partner with LEDVANCE to secure lighting solutions that meet the highest standards of efficiency, durability, and innovation. Contact us today to discuss lighting solutions optimized for your business.
When upgrading to LED, you can often replace an older bulb with a more energy-efficient one. Most designs are compatible with the latest fixtures. Ensure the circuit and switch are consistent with this technology in an older home.
Some LED solutions come as integrated fixtures. When installing a new fixture, take a photo of the wiring before disconnecting the old unit for reference. Older homes may lack a grounding wire. In this case, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
After installation, restore power to check for functionality and flickers. If flickering occurs, please refer to this guide to ensure you can complete the troubleshooting process quickly and effectively.
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