Why do my lights flicker at night but not during the day?

Lights flickering at night but not during the day typically indicates voltage fluctuations caused by increased electrical demand on your home's circuits or the utility grid. This pattern suggests your electrical system is being stressed when more lights and appliances are running simultaneously.

During the day, you're likely using fewer lights and different appliances than at night. When evening arrives, you turn on multiple lights throughout the house, plus evening appliances like TVs, computers, space heaters, or other devices. This increased electrical load can cause voltage drop - where the voltage supplied to your lights decreases slightly, causing them to dim or flicker.

Common causes of nighttime flickering include:

Overloaded circuits are the most frequent culprit. If multiple lights and outlets share the same 15-amp circuit, adding evening loads can push the circuit near its capacity. This is especially common in older Ottawa homes where circuits weren't designed for today's electrical demands. You might notice flickering gets worse when certain appliances kick on - like a space heater, microwave, or hair dryer.

Loose electrical connections become more apparent under load. During the day with minimal electrical usage, loose connections in your panel, outlets, or light fixtures might not cause noticeable problems. But when current increases at night, these loose connections create resistance, leading to voltage fluctuations and flickering lights.

Utility grid issues can also cause this pattern. In residential neighborhoods, electrical demand peaks in the evening when everyone's home using lights and appliances. If Hydro Ottawa's transformer serving your area is undersized or there are issues with the distribution lines, you might experience voltage fluctuations during peak usage times.

Aging electrical panels struggle to maintain consistent voltage under varying loads. If you have an older panel - especially Federal Pacific or Zinsco brands - the internal components may not be distributing power evenly to your circuits. These panels are known fire hazards and should be replaced immediately.

Safety concerns with flickering lights include potential fire risks from loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failing electrical components. Never ignore persistent flickering, as it can indicate dangerous electrical problems that could lead to fires or electrocution.

What you should do: First, note which lights flicker and what appliances are running when it happens. Try turning off some evening loads to see if the flickering stops. However, this is typically a job for a licensed electrician who can measure voltage levels, check connections, and determine if your electrical system needs upgrades.

For persistent flickering issues in Ottawa, Electrical Ottawa can diagnose the problem and recommend solutions - whether that's redistributing circuits, upgrading your panel, or coordinating with Hydro Ottawa for utility-side issues. Most flickering problems require professional attention to ensure your family's safety.

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