lights flicker when dehumidifier kicks on

[lksdrinker]

so whenever the dehumidifier in the basement cycles on, the lights down there flicker (or shut off for a split second). The led bulbs in the hi-hats seem to be the only electrical device affected by this. As far as I recall, the dehumidifier is not on the same circuit as these lights.

Is this something that should concern me?

The only "fix" I've thought of is to set the dehumidifier to run continuously. While the basement is pretty humid, it probably doesnt really need that thing on 100% of the time. I cant figure out in my head if its more costly to have it run continuously so it doenst have the big load of the compressor kicking on or if the constant cycling on and off is the cheaper/better route to go.

 

[pattenp]

Sounds like you have more on the same circuit than you realize.

 

[sberry]

Depends on how sturdy the service is too. I just did one in residential where the line was 500 ft long number 2 feeding half a dozen houses.
Some of them are greedy and push up an electric bill, about like a poor fridge. You could possibly see a little sag. It shouldnt be hi cycling, not sure what the threshold is but should run a few minutes with more off than on.

 

[Mustang51js]

Sometimes you get that when the breakers are on the same phase or right next to each other,you can check all the nuetrals to make sure they are tight and maybe move the breakers around

 

[Milton Shaw]

I would also check the voltage difference between each line and neutral. I had about the same type problem and it was the utility company fault at the transformer. If the difference is more that about 1 volt, I would suggest getting the utility company to check the service to the house. I had a computer power supply that would cycle on each time microwave was used (microwave pulls 13 amps at once when it comes on). Most loads in a house are not that big or are running on 240 without using the neutral being loaded at all.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Whenever I have a voltage issue like that on a service call, I always start at the service panel and work my way back.

I once lived in a house, where the lights dimmed when u turned on the garbage disposal. The lights and disposal were on different circuits but the same phase. I hooked up my meter to the neutral and suspect phase in the panel and set it to 'min hold'. Went inside turned the garbage disposal on ans xame back out. The leg was dropping to 100volts. Called out a PoCo troubleshooter and he dound a bad splice up on the pole. The wire was really hot!

Had a similar issue with dimming lights and tripping breakers on a service call one time @ mobile home park. Checked the voltage at the service panel with NO LOAD(everything off) and it was 228v. I told the lady to call PGE, and she told me that theres been electrical issues for years there and PGE has been out numerous times to replace equipment...

 

[lksdrinker]

It is definitely not on the same breaker. It is possible that both are on a duplex breaker however and I have not yet investigated enough to make that determination. However, making that determination is about where my expertise in this ends. I'm comfortable trying my hand at this stuff, and have added in a duplex breaker to have a dedicated circuit for some fish tanks (which is where I have the dehumidifier plugged in and why I can say its not the same circuit as the dimming lights....just cant remember if the original breaker for those lights is the one that was replaced with the duplex breaker). I vaguely understand the concepts/advice mentioned but am honestly not sure how to say check the voltage difference between each line and neutral.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

U need multimeter to check the voltage.

Sounds like u should call an electrician if u dont know the basics!