How to Fix Flickering LED Strip Lights in 2023

The last thing an LED professional wants to see is flickering lights after the installation is complete. Usually, this signifies an uneven flow of electricity which looks bad for the business owner and ultimately reflects poorly on you. But don’t worry, if you’re reading this very blog post then chances are you know how to fix common LED strip flickering issues.

What Are the Different Types of LED Strip Light Flickering?

Flicker is a quick on/off cycle of a light source, and it can intentionally be used for effect (e.g., at nightclubs or concerts), but usually, it’s just an annoyance.

There are two types of flicker:

• Visible Flickering
• Invisible Flickering

Visible Flickering: Visible flicker can be seen with the naked eye and typically occurs when an LED strip light is not getting enough power. This type of flickering can lead to eyestrain and some significant health issues, including headaches, nausea, and even seizures in extreme cases.

Invisible Flickering: Invisible flicker usually occurs when an LED strip light has a bad connection or poor power supply. It’s tricky to diagnose because it doesn’t show up on camera or to the naked eye. However, it still causes problems such as decreased productivity and fatigue due to the mental strain of focusing too hard.

What Causes LED Strip Flickering?

LED Light flickering is commonly caused by poor connections, incompatible parts, voltage drops due to long runs, and defective or overloaded power sources.

Poor Connections

Flicker is caused by circuits that turn on and off intermittently, which results in an inconsistent or poor connection. This typically happens with solderless connectors rather than soldered ones. You can test whether this is the issue by pressing on the connector to see if the LED strip flicker changes or disappears.

Incompatible Parts

Flicker can also be caused by incompatible parts. Make sure that the LED strip, driver, and dimmer are all compatible with each other to ensure a strong connection and uninterrupted current flow.

Voltage Drop Due to Long Runs

Another common cause of LED Strip flickering is a voltage drop due to long runs (i.e., over 6 feet). This usually happens when the LED strip is powered by a single power source but runs much longer than the manufacturer’s recommendation. In this case, you’ll need to use an additional power supply or extend from multiple points along the strip in order to correct it.

Also read: How to Reduce LED Light Glare

Defective or Overloaded Power Sources

Lastly, flickering can be caused by defective or overloaded power sources. Make sure that your power supply has enough wattage for the number of LEDs you’re using and that your circuit isn’t overloaded with too many components. If necessary, try replacing the power source with a different one to see if that fixes the issue.

How To Fix Flickering LED Strips?

Now that you know what’s causing your LED Strip lights to flicker, here’s how to fix it:

1. Check Connections: If your LED strip is connected with solderless connectors, press down on each one to make sure they are firmly connected and not loose.

2. Replace Incompatible Parts: Make sure that the LED strip, driver, and dimmer are all compatible with each other to ensure a strong connection and uninterrupted current flow.

3. Fix Voltage Drop Issues: If the run is over 6 feet long, you’ll need an additional power supply or extend from multiple points along the strip in order to correct it.

4. Replace Defective Power Sources: Make sure that your power source has enough wattage for the number of LEDs you’re using and that your circuit isn’t overloaded with too many components. If necessary, try replacing the power source to see if that fixes the issue.

There you have it – a few helpful tips on how to fix flickering LED strip lights. With any luck and some patience, you’ll be able to solve this issue quickly and easily.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the issue of flickering LED strip lights in 2023 requires a systematic approach to identify and solve the underlying causes of the problem. Flickering in LED strip lights can be symptomatic of several issues, ranging from inadequate power supply and faulty connections to incompatible dimmer switches. Ensuring that your LED strips are equipped with a sufficient and stable power supply is critical. Often, flickering results from voltage fluctuations or an overload on the power circuit. Using a dedicated and correctly rated power supply for your LED setup can significantly reduce flickering. Moreover, ensuring all connections are secure and properly insulated helps maintain consistent voltage along the entire length of the strip, further stabilizing the lighting output.

Additionally, when using dimmers with LED strips, it is crucial to ensure compatibility between the dimmer and the LED technology. Many older or traditional dimmers are designed for higher load incandescent lamps and may not perform well with low-power LED strips, leading to flickering. Opting for a dimmer switch that is specifically designed for LED compatibility or upgrading to a smart dimmer can resolve these issues. Regular maintenance checks to ensure all components are functioning correctly and timely replacements of any faulty parts are also vital. By implementing these strategies, users can enjoy the benefits of smooth, uninterrupted LED lighting that enhances both the functionality and ambiance of their space, free from the distraction and annoyance of flickering lights.