Lights Information
Flickering pulsating cycling light levels
A common cause of flickering lights and issues with many light fixture sockets stems from the construction of the socket itself. Often, the outer screw shell, which also serves as the neutral connection point via a cheaply riveted joint to the casing, can begin to arc. Alternatively, the center contact tab within the socket may become recessed, leading to poor contact with the bulb, subsequently causing arcing and carbon buildup.
Visually inspecting the socket, one should ensure the rivets securing the shell are free of dark arc marks and that the center tab is not corroded or significantly pushed inward.
Fluxuating Lights
You may observe your lights periodically changing in brightness. This brightening and dimming often coincides with the on and off cycles of high-power appliances like the furnace or washing machine. This effect is more noticeable when the lights are controlled by a dimmer. Any electrical load connected to the system will cause a voltage drop. The magnitude of this voltage drop is directly related to the length of the electrical circuit and the wire size in comparison to the size of the electrical load.
LED bulbs
Theoretically, LED lighting should have an exceptionally long lifespan, as it doesn't rely on a filament that degrades with use.
However, premature failure of LED lighting can occur due to several factors. Exposure of the circuitry to moisture or high heat environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens, can significantly impact longevity. Additional causes may include an overloaded driver(with remote led) or the application of improper supply voltages resulting from voltage drops or brownouts originating from the utility supply.
Higher-quality, dimmable LED bulbs typically specify compatible dimmer types. Using older, non-compatible dimmers with these LED bulbs can result in noticeable lighting artifacts, such as flickering at certain dimming levels. While LED bulb technology is improving, a more rigorous adherence to industry standards for dimmer compatibility is needed.
My lights are dim, then bright
Another significant cause of fluctuating lights can be a loose neutral (white wire) connection, typically occurring at the service entrance or within the electrical panel.
In slightly older residential wiring, it was sometimes common practice for two circuits to share a neutral conductor.(The white wire is a conductor, too!) If this shared neutral becomes loose, it can lead to a noticeable fluctuation in lighting intensity. A key indicator of such an issue is often a discolored white (neutral) wire within the system, which can signal a compromised connection.
Halogen lighting
For achieving a focused, artful spotlight effect, MR16 halogen bulbs were historically the preferred choice. However, their high power consumption and operating temperatures often led to issues with fixtures and associated wiring.
When encountering problems with pendant and track lighting utilizing an MR16 socket, the most practical solution is typically a complete fixture replacement. While socket replacement might seem like an option, it is often not feasible. The significant heat generated by MR16 halogen bulbs makes their sockets highly susceptible to carbon buildup and corrosion, rendering them generally irreparable.
Filament-based bulbs, including these compact halogens, are inherently susceptible to vibration, which can manifest as a visible flickering of the light.
Despite these drawbacks, replicating the unique aesthetic qualities of halogen lighting has presented a challenge for the industry, although recent advancements have come remarkably close.