Why Compact Fluorescent Lights Won't Stop Flickering

CFL Components

• Compact florescent lights are made from two main components: the gas-filled tube that glows when an electrical charge is delivered to it, and the ballast that converts the home's electrical supply to the needs of the light. There are two different types of ballasts used today. The magnetic type is heavier and flickers on start-up. The electronic ballasts, the more common type, are more efficient and don't flicker when turned on.

Start-up Flicker

• Only the older-style magnetic ballasts should flicker when the light is turned on. This is because it takes the ballast a few seconds to produce the right amount of electricity to excite the gas in the tubes. All CFLs require a warm-up period before they produce their full brightness. Because of this, CFLs are best suited for situations where they are on for long periods of time.

Continuous Flickering

• If the light bulb is not seated properly in the fixture or it doesn't have a strong connection to the electrical supply, the CFL may continuously flicker. Check that the bulb is snugly attached to its light socket or turned to the right position in a tube-style ballast. It may also be caused because a previous bulb was tightened too much. This bends down the tab in the bottom of the socket, creating an arc between the bulb and the power source. To bend back this tab, you must first turn the power off at the electrical distribution panel or you risk shock or electrocution. If the bulb continues to flicker, it is commonly a sign that the electrical components in the ballast are damaged and delivering insufficient power. It is also possible that the bulb itself needs replacing. Because CFLs are manufactured with the ballast and bulb in one component, change the entire bulb with a new one.

Mercury in CFLs

• Mercury is a necessary part of all CFLs. The volume of mercury in the average bulb is around 4 milligrams. This is a very small amount mercury but should still be disposed of properly. Place the bulb is a resealable plastic bag and dispose of it same way you would paint or batteries.