Dimmable LED Flash, Flickering, Strobing [7 Fixes Experts Suggest]

Dimmable LED is one of the popular bulb types in the market. Users love the lighting adjustability that comes with these lights. You can set the bulb to high or low brightness according to your needs. But sometimes, these dimmable LED flash and create serious problems like rapid blinking, flickering, strobing, and burnout. As a result, the electric bill of your house starts rising.

The dimmable LED flash, flickering strobing, etc can cause due to many reasons. For example, the bulb may have lost its dimming capability or has a connectivity issue power outlet. Additionally, the overloaded circuit, damaged wires, voltage fluctuations, etc also develop dimmable LED flash problems.

Do you want to fix the dimmable led flash or flickering problem? There are a few possible ways you can try. First, ensure the dimmer switch is compatible with a dimmable LED light bulb. Secondly, ensure the voltage is stable in your house. Then, check the wiring. If the wiring seems damaged or burned, replace it with the new one.

Keep reading this post to learn more about the various fixes you can try to fix the led flickering issue. We have discussed each problem and its respective fixes in a step-by-step manner.

Why are my dimmable LED lights flashing?

Dimmable LED designed to adjust lumen level by reducing or increasing the electric energy. That’s why users can adjust the brightness of these lights. However, old bulbs lose these capabilities after a few years and start flashing or flickering problems. In this case, you have to check the potential cause and accordingly fix it.

Let’s learn about each cause in detail so that you can fix it.

Downlight & Dimmer Compatibility

Dimmer is a device that is used to adjust Dimmable LED intensity. Non-compatible dimmers mainly cause flickering problems in these LEDs. There may be a compatibility issue if led lights flickering on dimmer. 

So, make sure the dimmer switch you are using in your home is actually compatible with the dimmer LED light. We recommend you use the same brand’s dimmer as your LED light bulbs.

The Ripple Effect

Ripple control is used to supply electricity on peak demand. The ripple effect represents the load of electricity in a specific zone. Power plants control the ripple to deliver electric needs in an area. This is something you can consider a power outage. If your neighbor has a low electric supply, you may experience dimmable LED flash issues. 

Loose Connections

This is something we forget to ensure. If Dimmable LED is not properly attached to an electric socket, your bulb may experience flickering, blinking, or flashing problems. It’s because the light is not getting a power supply due to a poor connection. Remember, lights can lose their sockets over time. You have to check the link manually on time.

Dirty Sockets

This is another common problem why Dimmable LEDs are blinking irregularly. Over years of use, dimmable LEDs develop dust between the sockets. As a result, the light faces the electric power supply and starts flickering. In this case, you must clean the socket by removing the bulb.

Overloaded Circuits

Lastly comes an overloaded circuit that causes dimmable LEDs to blink. This common situation develops when you turn on multiple electronic devices simultaneously. Your meter box maintains the power supply to your home appliances. Still, it has a limit in a single time. Insufficient current can occur if you control multiple devices in a short time.

How do I stop my dimmable LED lights from flickering?

Dimmable LED flash problem is common as the bulb gets old. Additionally, poor maintenance and non-compatible dimmers are the main cause of dimmable LED flash problems. However, troubleshooting is simple if you know the actual cause and the steps to fix it. For example, checking the connection, ensuring the electric supply, adjusting the bulb, and other things can fix the dimmer lights flickering issue.

Check the below step-by-step troubleshooting guide:

Fix 1: Change an Incompatible Dimmer Switch

Dimmable LEDs don’t work like the old lights. LEDs use electricity to produce heat that brightens the light. Now dimmer is a rotating device that controls the brightness of dimmable lights. Remember, every dimmer switch is not compatible with every dimmable led. You have to ensure the switch is compatible with your selected LED. If the switch is not compatible, replace it.

Buy a new dimmer switch if your led dimmer flicker. Bring your dimmable LED and match its features. also, ensure the switch is compatible with your selected bulb. Read the manual or consult with the supplier

Note: It is recommended to buy the same dimmer and LED brands, so the switch and light can easily adjust to each other. 

Fix 2: Tighten the bulb

Over time, LEDs start losing their connection with electric sockets. Additionally, the connection develops dust and debris between them. As a result, poor current supply occurs, and your light starts flashing or flickering. So you should manually inspect the space and tighten the bulb.

• First, pull out the light from its electric socket
• Reconnect the bulb and check it
• Take a brush and clean the socket

Note: always turn off the electric supply while working with the bulb

Fix 3: Check if the LED Bulb is Bad or isn’t Dimmable

Old dimmable LEDs start flashing due to their losing performance. It’s common with years-old or damaged bulbs. If this is the case with your LED, take a replacement. If your light is not damaged, ensure they are dimmable. Remember, not all LEDs can adjust their brightness. So, ensure the fact before purchasing them.

• Always read the manual while buying a LED
• Read the specification and note the bulb manual includes “dimmable”
• Ensure there is no physical damage to your existing LED

Fix 4: Check the circuit if the wiring is loose

If you checked all the steps, and still your dimmable bulb flashes, maybe there is an electrical issue. Loose or damaged wirings can restrict the power supply in your LEDs. So you have to ensure the cords are properly attached and do not have any physical damage.

• Check the power outlet to see if it’s working
• Manually inspect the cords for damage or loose connection
• Ensure there are no electric issues in multiple devices

Fix 5: Check if there is any voltage fluctuation in your house

As we mentioned, your power outlet board or meter box maintains the electric supply. Damage in this area can cause voltage fluctuation. So ensure the supplier is working correctly.

• Grab a torch and check your home meter box
• Use a multimeter to test the connections

Cautions: hire an electrician if you find any physical damage or connection issues in the meter box. 

Fix 6: Check if there is any residual electricity

Power outage is another problem that can cause your dimmable LED to flash. This is an electrical issue that occurs in your area. It is common in many residences when power plants are in service mode. If our neighbor is experiencing residential electricity problems, blinking light is obvious.

• Wait a while until the power outage dissolve
• Contact your nearest electrician for help

Cautions: it’s better to shut down your meter. Otherwise, multiple electronic devices face irregularity.

Fix 7: Replace the led with dimmable led lights

If no troubleshooting steps work in your favor, your home LED may be damaged. You have to replace the old dimmable bulb with a new one. Now there is only one solution for that case.

• Go to an electric store
• Buy a new dimmable bulb
• Read the manual and specifications
• Ensure the bulb is comfortable with the dimmer switch
• Remove the existing light and connect the new one

Cations: always be conscious of electricity while working with LEDs

How to avoid LED flickering, strobing, and early burnout?

Flickering and strobing are the same LED problems that develop when rapid electrical discharges occur in the tube. Old, damaged, or low-performing bulbs mainly experience issues where the lights flash continuously. This can cause high electric bills and damage to the light. If not fixed in time, burnout of the bulb can happen in the future.

Now you can avoid such flickering, strobing, and early burnout problems by replacing the LED. Additionally, you should ensure the issues don’t develop for a non-comfortable dimmable switch. Sometimes a loose connection or damage to the wires can also cause the problem. So be conscious about these fixes while dealing with flickering lights. Still, you can fix the problem in seconds by following our below steps. 

Always buy dimmable LED lamps

Dimmable lights use energy to produce related brightness. You can adjust that electricity with a rotating device called a dimmer switch. Not many people doesn’t understand not all LEDs are dimmable. So you have to buy a dimmable light compatible with the switch.

To identify an adjustable LED, ensure the specification includes “dimmable”. So that you can easily adjust the brightness of these lights when required. 

Buy reputable, well-tested product

It’s recommended to buy dimmable lights only from reputed and tested companies. Additionally, you have to test the LED before purchasing. 

So Always buy from reputable electronic stores. Identify the big brands for the best dimmable lights. For online purchases, read the reviews and ratings.

That’s how you don’t mislead after coming home and checking if it adjusts brightness.

Mock test before buying

Dimmable LEDs are more complex than regular light bulbs. So it’s better to perform mock tests before purchasing. 

Take your selected dimmable LED and connect it to the socket. Turn on the light and adjust its brightness by rotating the dimmer switch. If you confirm the light is working properly, purchase it. That’s how you can avoid flickering and strobing problems in the future.

Can I make my LED light dimmable?

Suppose you have a non-dimmable LED and wonder if it became dimmable. So did you make a LED light dimmable? The simple answer is no. Indeed, some dimmable LEDs work with non-dimming circuits but non-dimmable lights don’t work with dimmer circuits. If you still want the light to become dimmable, try connecting and rotating the switch.

You see the LED start flickering and flashing rapidly on the roof. It’s because they are not designed to take low energy and produce low brightness like dimmable LEDs. As a result, your bulb gets damaged and loses its capability.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Conclusion

So that’s all why your Dimmable LED flash, blinking, or flickering problem is occuring. We hope you get all the required answers related to the topic. So remember, years old lights are common with these flashing problems. Many overused bulbs lose their capability to adjust brightness. Besides, many causes depend on why your dimmable LED flashes rapidly. Maybe there is a power outage, or maybe the electric cords get damaged or are not connected properly.

Let’s see the possible fixes once again:

• Change the incompatible dimmer switch
• Tight the bulb and clean the debris and dust.
• Check the circuit wiring.
• Make sure your home is getting stable voltage.
• Replace the LED light.

The challenges may differ, but you can fix problems in seconds by following our tips.