Why are My LED Downlights Flickering?

If you're like many homeowners across the country, finding your LED downlights flickering can be a real pain. Even more so then they seem to come and go without warning. Whether it’s a slight dimming or a full-on flicker, understanding why it happens can save you a heap of time and money in the long run.

There are many reasons why LED lights flicker, which we will look at in greater detail. Since an LED light works differently from a traditional incandescent light bulb, it can be more sensitive to issues in your electrical system.

The good news is that, with the right approach and a little troubleshooting, flickering LED lights are often a relatively easy fix. Let’s look at why you may have a flickering LED light and what you can do to fix it.

How LED Lights Work

But first, let’s get an understanding of how LED downlights work.

LED lights, (it stands for Light Emitting Diodes), certainly work differently from the traditional incandescent bulbs and halogen lights we grew up with. Instead of producing light with a heated filament, LED lights use a semiconductor that emits light when an electrical current passes through it. This is very efficient, uses much less energy and generates much less heat than older lighting technologies.

LED bulbs are designed to last much longer (at least 25000 hours) and are more durable, which is why they’re so popular in homes. But their efficiency and unique operation mean they are more sensitive to electrical issues. This can lead to flickering lights, for reasons we will look at now.

Common Causes Behind Your LED Downlight Flickering

There are several potential reasons why you might have flickering LED downlights. Thankfully, the good news is most are easy to find with a little digging. Here are the common culprits behind flickering LED lights:

• Incompatible dimmers: Older or non-LED dimmers don’t work well with LED bulbs so they flicker.
• Faulty wiring or loose connections: A loose wire in the lighting circuit or within the fixture can cause intermittent flickering.
• Overloaded circuits: Too many lights on the same circuit can cause the lights to flicker under the load.
• Ripple control interference: Some areas have flickering due to ripple control signals from the electricity supplier.

Once you’ve identified the issue you can fix it and enjoy consistent lighting in your home.

Dimmer Switches and Flickering LED Lights

Dimmer switches can play a big part in why you have flickering downlights.

Traditional dimmer switches designed for incandescent bulbs don’t work well with modern LED lighting. The mismatch can cause flickering, especially when the lights are dimmed. Incandescent bulbs use more power and are less sensitive to voltage changes so when an old dimmer is used it can’t provide a smooth and consistent current to the LED bulb. The result is flickering lights.

If you’re experiencing this issue, switching to an LED dimmer switch may solve the problem. It’s also worth checking the maximum load rating of the dimmer. Make sure it’s capable of handling all the lights on the dimmer circuit.

Ripple Control and Electrical Interference

In certain areas of the country, like South East Queensland, you might experience flickering LED lights as a result of ripple control and electrical interference.

Ripple control is a system that electricity suppliers use to manage power consumption by sending signals through the electrical grid. While this helps with energy management, it can sometimes interfere with LED lighting and cause flickering. Other devices and electronic equipment in your home can also cause electrical interference if multiple devices are on the same circuit. This interference disrupts the current to your LED downlights and causes the flickering you see.

If you think ripple control is the culprit, you can have a licensed electrician install a load-bypass device. This will minimise the effect and get your lights back to normal.

Loose Connections and Faulty Wiring: The Common Offender

Loose connections and faulty wiring are common causes of flickering LED downlights. A slightly loose wire in the lighting circuit can cause intermittent flickering as the electrical current becomes unstable. This issue often occurs at common connection points, such as:

• light sockets
• switch plates
• within the downlight itself

Over time, natural wear and tear or poor installation can cause these loose connections, resulting in the lights flickering or dimming unexpectedly. When it comes to electrical wiring, especially faulty wiring, you’ll always need a licensed electrician to address and resolve any suspected or confirmed issues. More on that later though.

Overloaded Dimmers and Maximum Load Rating

Overloaded dimmers are a common cause of flickering LED lights, especially when the maximum load rating of the dimmer is exceeded.

Dimmers are designed to handle a certain amount of power. If you have too many lights on the same circuit, it can put strain on the system and cause the flicker. This is common when switching from traditional incandescent bulbs to LEDs, as older dimmers may not be able to handle the reduced energy load of LED lighting.

Checking the maximum load rating on your dimmer switch is a good first step to solving the issue. If the dimmer is overloaded, consider upgrading to an LED-compatible, push-button dimmer with the correct rating.

Why You Need a Licensed Electrician

When dealing with flickering LED downlights, hiring a licensed electrician is essential. While you may be tempted to fix the problem yourself, electrical work can be complex and even dangerous without the right training and experience. In most cases, the DIY approach is also illegal.

A licensed, professional electrician has the knowledge to diagnose the issue whether it’s loose wiring, an overloaded dimmer or issues with the lighting circuit. They can also safely install your downlights so you don’t have future problems. A licensed electrician can also advise you on the right lighting products like LED-compatible dimmers and help with more technical issues like ripple control interference.

For peace of mind and a fix that will last, get a professional on the job.

Get the Right Fix for Flickering Lights

Flickering LED downlights are annoying but the solution is often easier than you think. Whether it’s an incompatible dimmer, loose connections or ripple control interference there’s usually a simple fix once you know the cause. Make sure your dimmer switch is LED compatible and check for overloaded circuits or faulty wiring and you’ll be good to go.

If the flicker persists get a licensed electrician on the job to fix the issue and get your lighting system working correctly. With the right approach and quality products, you’ll be flicker-free before you know it!

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Why Are My LED Downlights Flickering?”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See After Hours Electrical’s Terms & Conditions here.