Windy Weather Wreaking Havoc on Your Lights? Here's Why
Posted on: 25 August 2023
If you have ever experienced your lights flickering when it's windy outside, you may wonder what causes this problem and how to fix it. Flickering lights can be annoying and even dangerous, as they may indicate a serious electrical issue that could result in a fire.
Why Your Lights Are Flickering
The main reason why your lights flicker when it's windy is because of damaged wires outside your house. These wires are usually located in the weatherhead, the metal pipe connecting the overhead power line to your home.
The weatherhead protects the wires from rain and snow. Still, it can get corroded or damaged over time by storms, animals, or tree branches. When this happens, the wires inside the weatherhead may become frayed or exposed, creating a weak connection.
What Happens to Your Wires
When the wind blows, the frayed wires may move and touch each other, creating a short circuit for a brief moment. This short circuit disrupts the flow of electricity to your house, causing your lights to flicker. Depending on the damage's severity, the flickering may be occasional or constant, affecting only some or all of your lights.
Don't Ignore the Problem
Flickering lights due to frayed wires are not only annoying but also dangerous. If the wires touch each other for too long, they may overheat and spark a fire. This fire could spread to your house or nearby power lines, causing a power outage or explosion. Therefore, it is crucial to address this problem as soon as possible.
How to Fix Your Wires
To fix this problem, you must hire a licensed electrician who can inspect the weatherhead and the external wiring for any signs of damage. The electrician will then repair or replace the damaged wires as needed, ensuring a safe and stable connection.
The electrician will also check for other issues that could cause flickering lights, such as loose connections, faulty switches, or overloaded circuits.
The Utility Company Might Be at Fault
Sometimes the problem may not be with your wiring but with the utility company's equipment. For example, if there is a loose or broken wire in the power line that feeds your house or a problem with the transformer that regulates the voltage, you may experience flickering lights when it's windy.
In this case, the electrician won't be able to make any repairs. Still, they may be able to diagnose the problem and advise you to contact the utility company for further assistance.
Flickering lights when windy can be a challenging electrical repair problem for electricians. Still, it can also be a serious safety hazard for homeowners. If you notice your lights flickering when it's windy outside, don't ignore it. Call an electrical contractor immediately.
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