108. Light Flicker: What is it and Why Does it Matter?

In the world of industrial and commercial lighting, ensuring a stable light source is crucial. Whether it's a factory floor, an office space, or a retail store, the quality of lighting can significantly impact productivity, safety, and even the overall atmosphere of your working environment.

One common issue that can arise is light flicker. While it might seem like an annoying occurrence, and is often imperceptible to the naked eye, it can actually be detrimental to not only your staff’s productivity, but potentially to their health as well. But what exactly is light flicker, and why does it matter so much in an office, warehouse, or classroom? Below, the experts at OEO are going to dive into the details so you can know if you need to upgrade your lighting to higher quality LED fixtures and bulbs.

What is Light Flicker?

We’ve all seen it in our own homes. The light bulb over your kitchen counter is fluttering as if you were living in a haunted house. That’s a form of light flickering. However, in many cases light flicker is not even perceptible. It can occur at such a high frequency that it isn’t visible, but still have a highly negative impact.

Light flicker refers to rapid, often subtle changes in the brightness of a light source. It can start as a light shimmering effect or progress to a more noticeable strobe-like lighting effect. While it might seem like more of an annoyance than anything, in industrial and commercial environments, light flicker can have serious implications for both operations and your worker’s overall well-being.

What Causes Light Flicker?

Understanding the causes of light flicker is essential for addressing the issue effectively. Several factors can contribute to flickering LED lights, each with its own set of challenges and solutions.

Electrical Issues

One of the primary causes of light flicker in commercial settings is electrical issues. These can include voltage fluctuations, power surges, or problems with the electrical wiring. In large industrial facilities, high-power machinery and equipment can create significant fluctuations in voltage, causing lights to flicker. Ensuring a stable power supply and proper electrical infrastructure is key to preventing light flickering.

Bulb and Fixture Problems

The type of bulbs and fixtures used can also play a significant role in light flicker. LED lights, while energy-efficient, are often susceptible to flickering if they are of poor quality or incompatible with existing systems, such as dimmer switches. In industrial settings, where robust lighting solutions like wall pack lights and floodlights are common, using high-quality, compatible LED light bulbs can minimize flickering issues.

External Factors

External factors such as power surges from the grid or environmental conditions can also cause flickering lights. For example, in outdoor settings like parking lot lights, weather conditions can impact the electrical infrastructure, leading to flicker. Regular lumen maintenance and monitoring of the lighting system can help mitigate these issues.

Types of Light Flicker

Light flicker can be classified into two main types: visible and invisible. While one might be more apparent, both can be harmful to your workers if left unaddressed.

Visible Flicker

Visible flicker is the type that can be seen with the naked eye. It's often experienced as a noticeable fluctuation in light output and can be particularly distracting or annoying for anyone who has to spend hours in that room. In workplaces, visible flicker can lead to discomfort, decreased productivity, and even health problems like headaches and migraines for some individuals.

Invisible Flicker

Invisible flicker, also known as high-frequency flicker, is not perceptible to the naked eye but can still affect people and equipment. This type of flicker is typically caused by the rapid switching of light sources like LED lamps. Even though it's not visible, it can cause issues such as eye strain, headaches, and discomfort over extended periods.

How Light Flicker Impacts Health and Productivity

The effects of light flicker extend beyond pure annoyance. In industrial and commercial settings, the implications can be far-reaching, impacting your workforce’s health and mental well-being.

Effects on Eyestrain and Headaches

You might be wondering, “Do LED lights cause headaches?” While high quality, modern LED lighting does not cause any health problems, that might not be the case for outdated, damaged, or worn out LEDs. Flickering lights, particularly LED flicker, can cause serious eye strain and headaches. This is especially problematic in environments where employees spend long hours under artificial light, such as offices or manufacturing plants. The constant adjustment of the eyes to flickering light can lead to fatigue, reduced concentration, and overall discomfort.

Impact on Sleep Patterns

While primarily a concern for shift workers, light flicker can also disrupt sleep patterns. Exposure to flickering lights, particularly those with a high blue light component, can interfere with circadian rhythms, making it difficult for workers to adjust to different shifts or recover from night work.

Neurological Concerns

In some cases, exposure to flickering lights can exacerbate neurological conditions such as epilepsy or migraines. Although less common, this can be a serious issue in office and industrial settings, where safety and worker health are imperative. Ensuring that lighting systems are free from harmful flickers can help prevent these risks for your employees.

Impact on Productivity

Flickering lights can be a major distraction in the workplace. In environments where precision and focus are critical, such as in quality control or detailed assembly work, flicker can lead to errors and decreased productivity. Ensuring a stable, flicker-free light environment is essential for maintaining high levels of efficiency and safety.

Identifying and Measuring Light Flicker

Identifying light flicker can sometimes be straightforward, especially if it's visible. However, measuring and addressing the issue often requires more specialized tools and knowledge.

To measure flicker, professionals often use tools like flicker meters or oscilloscopes to quantify the flicker index and flicker percent. These metrics help determine the extent of the problem and the potential impact on both equipment and human health.

A simple test you can try yourself is to take a video of your lighting on your smartphone in slow motion. Aim the camera right at your light source, and record for 20 to 30 seconds. When you watch the playback, this can reveal imperceptible light flicker that you might not have noticed otherwise.

Can You Fix a Light Flicker?

Addressing light flicker involves a combination of different strategies, from choosing the right equipment to ensuring proper installation and maintenance of your LED lights.

Replacing Bulbs and Fixtures

One of the simplest solutions to reduce light flicker is to replace old or incompatible bulbs and fixtures. Upgrading to high-quality LED lighting systems that are compatible with your existing infrastructure, including dimmer switches, can significantly reduce flicker. Ensure that all bulbs are properly installed and that there are no loose bulbs or faulty connections.

Electrical System Upgrades

In cases where flicker is caused by voltage fluctuations or other electrical issues, upgrading the electrical system may be necessary. This could involve installing voltage regulators, power conditioners, or even reconfiguring the electrical layout to ensure a more stable power supply.

Professional Assessment and Maintenance

Regular professional assessments and maintenance of the lighting system can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. This includes checking for loose connections, outdated equipment, and ensuring that all components are functioning correctly. In industrial settings, where lighting plays a crucial role in safety and productivity, ongoing maintenance is particularly important.

Conclusion

In the bustling environments of industrial and commercial spaces, light flicker is more than just a minor inconvenience— it's a potential risk factor that can impact health, safety, and productivity. Understanding what causes light flicker and implementing effective solutions can help create a more comfortable and efficient workplace.

By investing in high-quality lighting systems, ensuring proper installation, and conducting regular maintenance, businesses can mitigate the effects of flicker and provide a stable, reliable lighting environment for their operations.

If you are looking to upgrade your lighting system, OEO Energy Solutions offers everything you need for your space. When choosing OEO for your lighting system upgrades, you can ensure you will receive top-notch quality and expertise.

Our company specializes in providing advanced, energy-efficient lighting solutions tailored to meet the demands of industrial and commercial settings. Our comprehensive range of LED lighting products, including LED High Bay Lights and UFO LED lights, are designed to minimize flicker and enhance visibility, improving both safety and productivity.

Contact our team today to see how our lighting solutions can help safeguard your work environment.