flickering kitchen lights

4 years ago

Need help isolating a flickering light problem in the kitchen. The lights flicker randomly, sometimes when another light in a nearby room but on a different breaker comes on, other times it’s just random. Sometimes they go into a strobe light effect and won’t stop until the switch is changed. There are two 3-way dimmer switches, one on each side of the kitchen and a third regular switch in a nearby stairwell. There are seven ceiling can lights controlled by this switch and they all flicker. New bulbs didn’t fix the problem. Seems like the dimmer switches were added post-construction and the wires are not labeled or easily identified. Suggestions on the cause of the flickering?

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Comments (8)

PRO
Ripped Jeans Construction
4 years ago
What kind of bulbs? If they are LED, it could be that some of your bulbs are non-dimmable. Or the drivers are going bad. Or the switches are incompatible....the list goes on and on :0
Florida Native
Original Author
4 years ago
It was flickering when we moved in with regular bulbs, continued after changing to 65w equivalent led. We don’t want dimmable and planning to replace the dimmable switches with non dimmable switches. I’m pretty sure the problem is either with the switch or the contacts but wanted to see if there might be something else that would cause this set of lights to blink when nearby lights changed state sometimes. Likely coincidence but just trying to do due diligence.

The dimmer part of the switch is incredibly sensitive and if you touch it, the lights usually end up in a strobe effect for a few seconds until you push the slider down and back up.

This strobe effect is repeatable on one of the two switches easier than the other.
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kudzu9
4 years ago
Dimmer switches can go bad over time. My first approach would be to put in regular switches or new dimmers. This will also give you the chance to see if you have any loose connections.
btydrvn
4 years ago
It is obvious from your pictures that everything is very old ….no telling what problems could arise from doing this yourself…your questions indicate more than just faulty switches…overloaded circuits…perhaps even a history of poor tenant fixes….can be a disaster waiting to happen….this may be a bite the bullet moment..call an electrician…
btydrvn
4 years ago
If there is a landlord… they should take responsibility for this possible hazard
mtvhike
4 years ago
The OP plans to replace the dimmers with regular toggle switches, so that should be done first to eliminate one possible source of the problem.
Florida Native
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you all for the comments. Turned out the slider switch was poorly grounded. I replaced both switches in that panel with a known good 3-way and a regular 2-way and lights are solid now. I didn’t take a picture, but the ground was not tightly screwed in, but weaved in to the mount. Additionally two of the wire nuts were very small and taped to cover the exposed wire. Hazard in my book, so they both came out. Thanks for the suggestions!
kudzu9
4 years ago
Glad it was so easy to fix. Based on the description of what you found, it may be prudent to check out other electrical boxes to see whether this incompetent handyman created other hazards that just haven't revealed themselves yet.