Finding light flicker problem

[Bigrhamr]

I've got an intermitent flicker of all the lights on one circuit. It doesn't seem to be coinciding with other loads starting or shutting off. I've replaced the breaker and verified good connections in the panel. Is there a way to test and locate the problem or do I just have to do the shotgun approach and go through every light and switch? It's more than just a little flicker, they actually dim noticeably.

 

[Gary S]

You can check various points on the circuit with a voltmeter. It might react fast enough to tell you what part of the circuit is dropping down in voltage.

 

[tfi racing]

Break the circuit open at the half way point and see if the problem disappears,that way you know which direction to head.I would try the switch first,you don't always get a good one for the whopping 99 cents we pay for one.

 

[abnorm]

Smack the wall around the flickering devices......the location of the box with the loose connection will be apparent.......

 

[bward76]

Are they "flickering" or dimming. If all are flickering, it would be at or before first light in the circuit. Cheap switches are usally what I find on service calls. Once they have started to fail, they start to excel their deterioration. Keep in mind that the neutral is as important as the hot. While you have the circuit off, be sure to verify that you know what else could be on that circuit. I find that a lot of dimming issues are related to other large appliances unknowingly being on the same run. Good luck

 

[rockwithjason]

you may also want to check the torque on the hots and neutrals in the panel. over time some can loosen up and cause a flicker like you mention.

 

[IDASHO]

Be sure to LISTEN at the breaker box.

Ive had a couple breakers fail internally.