Have you ever noticed a quick, repeated change in light intensity in your home? This is what is referred to as light flickering. The flickering might be caused by an external or internal problem -- external refers to your electricity supplier, while internal refers to problems within your home, for instance, poor connections. If your neighbors are not affected by the same issue, it means the problem is internal. Here are some of the reasons why you might be experiencing light flickering in your home:

1. Defective Bulb

If only one bulb in the house is flickering, then it is possible that the bulb is defective. When the lights are off, remove the bulb from its socket. Keep in mind that the glass bulb is supposed to be firmly fixed to its metal base. If it wiggles, it is defective and could be the reason behind the flickering. Simply replace it with a new one. However, if the bulb does not wiggle in the base, screw the light back in its socket. The flickering might be caused by another reason.

2. Poorly Connected Switch

A switch that is not properly connected to a bulb can result to flickering. You can rectify the issue by shutting the light off for some time before turning it back on, or you can toggle the switch off and on. If the problem fixes on its own, you know where the problem lies. However, repeating these procedures to prevent the light from flickering can be quite annoying. You can solve the problem permanently by replacing the switch.

3. Connection of Heavy Appliances

Lights may also flicker temporarily when you turn on heavy appliances. Large appliances can draw as much as 100 amps of power when they start up. Normally, there is no cause for alarm, as the flickering doesn't last for more than a few seconds. But if it does, it means that there is an increased drawing of current. This can cause the connectors, breakers and wiring to overheat, presenting a fire risk.

While some problems are easy to identify, others such as loose electrical connections can be complicated. A single circuit, for instance, can have as many as 30 to 50 connections. Finding a loose connection in 30 to 50 connections is a daunting task, and hence, it might not be a bad idea to seek the services of an electrician, such as those at Home Cabling Solutions, if you can't find the problem yourself. Besides, there are dangers that are associated with loose connections such as electrocution you won't want to experience.