To enhance the ambiance of a special event organized in an outdoor space, LED lights play a phenomenal role in creating a brilliant environment. However, sometimes, it starts strobing when they are dimmed, resulting in making it flickery because of its low frequency, incompatible dimmer switches, faulty bulbs, dirty sockets, loose connections and more reasons are defined below. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn the reasons for strobing and how to fix it to get them back to normal.
As LED lights are more efficient and have longer lifespans than the traditional bulbs. For keeping a pleasing lighting environment, it is important to maintain consistent and stable light output.
Causes of Outdoor LED light to strobe
1. Unstable Connections
The first case of storbing LED lights can be loosely, fitted bulbs. In this case, the socket is not getting proper contact with the bulb itself. Because of this reason, the space between them can lead to strobing. Screw your bulb tighter and be careful when handling the bulb.
2. Dusty Sockets
Over time, the dust can take place on the surfaces of your LED bulbs and creep into the socket. If your bulb fixture hasn't been wiped out for long, the bulb can be behind your strobing lights bulb. If this is the case, unscrew your bulb first and give a deep clean to a socket.
3. Extreme Heat Temperature
Harsh temperatures can increase the level of heat over the period. It can also reduce LED effectiveness and shorten its lifespan. Also, if it doesn't have a heat sink, it will get overheated and can cause LED lighting failure. Also, on the other hand, freezing temperatures can cause LED bases to crack. On cracking, debris, and bugs can enter it. While installing the LED, verify its placement and secure its surroundings.
4. Moisture Damage
If you buy poor-quality LED lights, then it can be troublesome. Due to irregularities in temperatures, moisture can also find its way to LED light, which can make it dim and shorten its lifespan. To avoid, moisture replace your light with good quality professional outdoor lighting.
5. Loose Wiring
The fifth reason can be loose wiring and this mostly happens to older homes. If you are residing in these older homes, then your LED bulbs might cause strobing, if not so far, then in the future, it will cause some disturbance. OR the cheap electric wiring can also be the case. Call an electrician to deal with malfunctioning electrical wiring that can pose a fire scene.
6. Traditional dimmers
When buying dimmers keep the LED word in mind, because many LED bulbs fail to work on traditional dimmers. Traditional are made for old bulbs, that won't work with modern LEDs. It's like mixing oil into water, that gets a bit shaky.
7. Overloaded Circuits
Overloading always causes mess and hazards if your meter box is unable to accommodate all the appliances. This is another case of LED light strobing when you keep adding appliances to your home. The current that the bulb is demanding is more than it can handle and can cause strobing. To fix it, you need to upgrade your meter box with a higher rating.
Why is my LED dusk-to-dawn Light Flashing?
Have you ever experienced at your home LED dusk to dawn light putting irregular light with unexpected flashes? There are spontaneous reasons behind the flickering, which is discussed below.
- Gradual increase of dust on the sensor leads to erratic strobing. The simple solution is to clean it with warm water and wipe it out allowing the sensor to function properly.
- Incorrect positioning of LED light can also cause dusk to dawn LED to strobe unexpectedly. To avoid interferences, adjust the position and if needed consult the electrician for stable performance.
- More installation of the traditional bulbs at home can lead to sensor strobing in LED lights. When the fixture gets heated, the lights shut down and it takes time to start it over again. So, replace the remaining traditional bulbs with LED ones.
- Another issue is ghost voltage leads to irregularities strobing in dusk to dawn lights. Investigate your overall cabling system to check the proper isolation and balancing lighting experience.
Do LED lights Flicker before they burn out?
The simple Answer to this question is No they don't strobe when it's ready to burn out. Instead of burning, their light slowly degrades and slows down, so you shouldn't worry about their lifespan. If your LED suddenly starts behaving out, it can be because of faulty wiring or burned components in the circuit. For more concerns, check your dimmer switches, voltage, and wiring to tell the problem causing the lights to strobe.
Signs of the LED Light Burning Out?
Below are the signs that show your LED light is near to end.
1. Lumen Decreased
Whenever you buy, make sure to check its rated life. LED lights can work even after their lifespan ends but the dimming can be a problem. Still, you just need to replace the LED, if you want higher brightness. Your LED lights have a number or countdown on the package, this will tell you how many hours will the light stay bright before decreasing like 70% or 80% as bright.
2. Strobing in and out
When your LED is strobing in and out as disco lights, hence proves they have some issues. Although they never burn out LEDs don't strobe but when they strobe your LED fixtures go bad which can cause heat and lead your bulb to burn out. Heat issues can also be caused due to turning off and on again and again your bulbs.
3. Color Distortion
If your bulb suddenly changes its colors or they are not getting the desired colors, it means it is nearing its end. Color distortion happens because of aging or not providing enough voltage to it. So, you need to test your LED, if it causes the problem.
How To Fix Strobing LED Lights?
Strobing LED Lights can be annoying. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issues.
1. Problem identification
The first step to fixing your LED is identifying the issue. Check your meter is providing enough voltages. Or is there any loose connection or the power outlet is overloaded?
2. Correct The Issue
Take the unnecessary appliances off the circuit. If the fault is in connection, dimmer, or driver then abruptly change it or tighten it to avoid further strobing. Ensure secure connections for future faulty elements.
3. Test The Lightbulb
After identifying the problem and fixing it, now it's time to test the lightbulb. Use a multimeter to check the stability and range of the voltage.
How do you fix strobing LED lights?
We saw 3 methods of fixing strobing, but now, it's time to fix strobing LED lights.
- Test Dimmer Compatability:
Most of the LEDs are designed to work with specific modern dimmers. Unusual and traditional dimmers cause lights to strobe. Check out the compatibility and specifications of the dimmer, if a fault arises in the dimmer. Upgrade the LED durable dimmer switch, and buy any brand that matches the LED light model. Keep in mind that quality dimmers work for longer and are also known for their compatibility.
- Check Electrical wiring:
Loose Electrical connections can distort the smooth flow of electricity which leads to LED strobing. Verify the wiring connected to lights and ensure that all wires are secure. If there is any sign of loose connection or exposed wires, call the qualified electrician to address the issues promptly.
- Replace Old and Faulty Bulbs
As told above, installing new lights with already installed traditional bulbs can make the connections messy and unsustainable. Always use recommended bulbs by the manufacturers and replace old ones with new ones. Regularly replacing lights can ensure the longevity of the lighting system.
- Checkout Inrush Current
Address the inrush current, when high voltage appliances are switched on, it can cause voltage fluctuations and lead light to the strobe. To overcome this, consider installing inrush current surge protectors. These current limiters help, manage sudden power outages and prevent the LED light system from fluctuating.
FAQs
- Why does my LED security light flicker?
The common cause of fluctuating loads includes the usage of other electrical systems. High-watt can cause flashing when high-watt things are turned on.
- Are flickering LEDs dangerous?
Strobing are not dangerous on their own but, the reason behind their flashing should be addressed timely. If you experience gradual strobing, consult an electrician to function properly.