Have you ever noticed your lights flickering after a storm, leaving you wondering what might be wrong? Flickering lights can feel unsettling, especially after severe weather. Whether you’re dealing with a brief power surge or a persistent issue, understanding the causes and solutions can help restore peace of mind. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons for flickering lights, how to address the problem, and when to call in a professional.
Why Do Lights Flicker After a Storm?
Storms often disrupt electrical systems, and flickering lights are a frequent consequence. Here are the most common reasons:
Power Surges: Lightning strikes or high winds can cause sudden increases in voltage, leading to brief or continuous flickering.
Damaged Power Lines: Falling trees, debris, or strong winds may damage power lines, creating an unstable electricity supply.
Loose Connections: Electrical connections in your home may loosen during a storm, resulting in intermittent power flow.
Water Intrusion: Moisture entering electrical panels or wiring can cause short circuits and lead to flickering.
Understanding these causes is the first step in diagnosing the problem and finding a solution.
Immediate Steps to Take
If your lights are flickering after a storm, follow these steps to ensure safety and prevent further issues:
Turn Off Affected Lights: Minimize strain on your electrical system by turning off flickering lights.
Check for Visible Damage: Look for fallen power lines, damaged outlets, or other visible issues.
Avoid Water Contact: If water intrusion is suspected, avoid touching electrical systems to prevent shocks.
Use a Flashlight: If power is unstable, rely on battery-powered lighting until the issue is resolved.
These precautions can help you stay safe while identifying the root cause of the problem.
Common Causes of Power Surges
Power surges are one of the leading causes of flickering lights after a storm. These surges occur when:
Lightning strikes near power lines or transformers.
Electrical grid infrastructure sustains damage.
High-powered appliances in your home cause internal surges.
Surge protectors can help shield your home’s electrical system from some of these impacts, but they may not fully eliminate flickering after severe storms.
How to Check for Electrical System Damage
After a storm, conducting a basic inspection of your home’s electrical system can be helpful. Here’s what to look for:
Inspect Outlets: Check for signs of charring, sparks, or unusual heat around outlets. You can also use a voltage tester to do this in a faster & more effective manner.
Test Appliances: Plug small, low-power appliances into different outlets to ensure they work correctly.
Examine the Breaker Box: Look for tripped breakers or signs of water intrusion in your electrical panel.
Monitor Light Fixtures: Note which lights are flickering and whether the issue persists.
While these steps can provide initial insights, deeper issues may require professional diagnosis.
When to Call an Electrician
It’s crucial to know when flickering lights indicate a serious problem.
Contact a licensed electrician if:
Flickering persists even after the storm has passed.
You notice burning smells, sparks, or smoke.
Your breaker box shows signs of water damage or corrosion.
Multiple lights and appliances are affected simultaneously.
There is partial power in your home.
Professional assistance can ensure your electrical system is safe and functioning properly. An experienced electrician in the Houston area can also explain if your issue is more utility related and advise you to contact CenterPoint; in some cases the transformers or the CenterPoint line can be damaged during a storm and those repairs would fall under their responsibility and not in your pocket.
Preventative Measures for Future Storms
While storms are inevitable, taking preventative steps can help minimize their impact on your home’s electrical system. Here are some practical tips:
Install Surge Protectors: Use surge protection devices on individual outlets and at the main electrical panel.
Trim Trees Near Power Lines: Keep trees around your property well-trimmed to reduce the risk of falling branches.
Waterproof Electrical Components: Seal outdoor outlets and electrical panels to protect them from moisture. Adding bubble covers to your exterior outlets if they don't have one or the existing one is damaged is also important.
Regular Electrical Inspections: Schedule periodic inspections to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
These measures can save you time, money, and stress during storm seasons. As your trusted Houston Electricians, our team offers safety electrical inspections to ensure your home is not at risk of faults during bad weather or just on a regular basis. Our safety inspections cover your electrical panel, outlets, switches, attic space, smoke detectors and more. If you need an electrical safety inspection this year, be sure to call us they are complimentary if you request it along with other services.
How Water Intrusion Affects Wiring
Water is a significant enemy of electrical systems. During storms, water can infiltrate through:
Damaged roofs or walls.
Flooded basements.
Poorly sealed electrical enclosures.
Water can corrode wires, cause short circuits, and compromise the safety of your electrical system. If you suspect water damage, contact a professional immediately to assess and repair the issue.
Can Flickering Lights Damage Your Home?
Persistent flickering lights aren’t just a nuisance—they can also indicate underlying issues that pose risks, including:
Electrical Fires: Loose connections or damaged wiring can overheat and spark fires.
Appliance Damage: Voltage fluctuations can harm sensitive electronics and appliances.
Increased Energy Costs: Unstable power flow reduces the efficiency of your electrical system, leading to higher bills.
Addressing flickering lights promptly can help mitigate these risks and protect your home.
Myths About Flickering Lights
There are many misconceptions about flickering lights after a storm. Let’s debunk a few:
Myth 1: It’s always a minor issue. (Reality: Flickering can signal severe electrical problems.)
Myth 2: Replacing lightbulbs will fix it. (Reality: While a faulty bulb might cause flickering, it’s rarely the sole issue after a storm.)
Myth 3: DIY fixes are sufficient. (Reality: Electrical repairs often require professional expertise to ensure safety.)
Understanding the truth behind these myths can help you make informed decisions.
Flickering lights after a storm can range from minor inconveniences to signs of serious electrical problems. By understanding the potential causes and taking appropriate action, you can safeguard your home and ensure your electrical system remains reliable. Whether it’s a simple fix or a complex repair, addressing the issue promptly is key to maintaining safety and peace of mind. For persistent or concerning issues, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep your home’s lights shining bright.
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Why a surge protectors important?
Surge protectors play a crucial role in safeguarding electronic devices and appliances from damage caused by sudden voltage spikes, also known as power surges. Here are several reasons why surge protectors are important:
Protection Against Power Surges: Power surges can occur due to various reasons, including lightning strikes, utility grid switching, or electrical equipment malfunctions. These surges can send excessive voltage through electrical lines, potentially damaging or destroying connected devices. Surge protectors detect these voltage spikes and divert the excess energy away from your devices, preventing costly damage.
Extended Lifespan of Electronics: Electronic devices such as computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances are susceptible to damage from power surges. By using surge protectors, you provide a layer of defense against voltage fluctuations, thereby extending the lifespan of your valuable electronics. This helps avoid premature failures and reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Insurance Policy: Some surge protectors come with connected equipment warranties or insurance policies that provide financial reimbursement for damaged devices, our preferred device comes with a $75k Insurance policy and a 5 year warranty. These warranties offer an additional layer of protection and demonstrate the manufacturer's confidence in the surge protector's effectiveness.
If you ever need an electrician to help you deal with weather damage, Unity Services is the team of electricians you can trust to keep your home safe and to give you peace of mind.
We are always one call (or click) away
713-999-1890
Unity Services has the best team of Licensed Electricians, who carry over 100 years of combined residential and commercial electrical experience. We are always ready to serve you with knowledge and professionalism at your home or business.
Why Choose Unity?
We are proud to be a family-owned small local business that strives to provide our community with the most efficient and transparent solutions. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe that communication, transparency, and quality workmanship are the keys to building lasting relationships with our clients.
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