How to fix flickering led strip lights

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How to fix flickering led strip lights

The persistent issue of flickering LED strip lights is undeniably a bothersome nuisance that demands a solution. This annoyance can manifest in various forms, occurring at different levels of visibility.

Certain flickers are readily noticeable and disruptive to the naked eye, while others may only become apparent when observed through the lens of a camera.

In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into the diverse types of flickering scenarios, providing you with a thorough understanding of this phenomenon.

Exploring the Diverse Facets of Flicker and Their Underlying Causes

The term "flicker" encompasses a range of phenomena characterized by the rapid on/off cycling of a light source. While intentional flashing lights may be an integral part of visual experiences in venues like clubs or concerts, the unintentional occurrence of a "strobe effect" within our homes can be incredibly bothersome.

 

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In essence, flicker can be classified into two distinct categories: visible and invisible. Flicker becomes visible to the human eye when its frequency falls below 100 Hz, causing the light to switch on and off up to 100 times per second. However, there exists a less apparent form of flicker, operating at frequencies exceeding 100 Hz.

Although this type of flicker remains undetectable to the naked eye, it becomes discernible when observed through the lens of a camera, for instance.

People's responses to this "invisible" flicker vary, yet it can lead to an array of adverse effects, including headaches, migraines, dizziness, and eye strain. Particularly concerning, individuals with epilepsy may experience seizures triggered by such rapid flashes.

Flicker can arise due to various factors, including:

Insufficient or unstable connections can lead to noticeable flickering, especially when you initially plug in your LED strip lights. The primary culprit behind this flicker is often poor or loose connections, which can disrupt the flow of electricity intermittently.

This issue is more common with unsoldered connections, where the joints lack the stability of soldered ones.

Quality soldered joints significantly decrease the likelihood of encountering this problem. Additionally, even screw connectors, commonly used for connections, may become loose over time. 

To determine if the issue is related to a soldering problem on the low-current side, you can try gently pressing the unsoldered connector with your finger.

If the flickering is caused by the connection, you'll observe changes in the LED strip's behavior, such as flickering, fluctuating intensity, or even complete loss of light. 

When dealing with a soldered joint that exhibits these symptoms, the remedy involves reheating the compromised joint, essentially re-soldering it to ensure a secure and stable connection.

Flickering issues with LED lights often arise in situations where dimming is employed. If you encounter this problem, it's crucial to ensure that both the LED strip and the driver are compatible with the dimming function.

Additionally, for those using wireless controllers, it's essential to verify that the controller's protocols align with the dimmer being used.

Compatibility is key, and certain combinations may not work harmoniously. For instance, a DALI dimming controller and a 0-10V dimmer are not compatible.

In the provided image, a TRIAC dimmer is connected to the push-dim and PWM driver, which is a mismatch that will invariably lead to dimming issues.

Choosing compatible components is vital to achieving effective and reliable dimming functionality.

Overloaded or Faulty Power Supply

Among the frequent culprits for flickering in LED strips is the overloading of the LED driver (power supply or driver). Typically, premium LED drivers come equipped with overload protection mechanisms. When an overload occurs, the LED driver engages in a cyclic on-off pattern.

This behavior translates into the LED strips alternatively lighting up and dimming, creating the perception of flicker. It's essential to recognize that a flickering LED strip can also be attributed to a defective or inadequately powered LED driver. Ensuring a properly matched and functioning driver is paramount in addressing flickering concerns.

Pairing Mode in Zigbee Protocol Driver for Wireless Control

When you notice flickering in a Zigbee protocol driver designed for smart control immediately after it's connected to power, this is because the pairing mode has been activated. The driver is intentionally set to enter pairing mode upon power-up, simplifying the process of connecting it to a wireless controller or pairing it with a bridge/hub for comprehensive control.

 

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The pairing mode stays active for a period of three minutes, during which the lights may flicker. If no successful pairing is established within this time frame, the lights will remain steady, indicating that they couldn't find a suitable pair. This feature ensures that the driver is primed for easy integration into a wireless control system.

Identifying Faulty Flashing LED Strips

A flashing LED strip can often indicate a faulty strip. While LED strips undergo testing at the factory, mishandling during unpacking or installation can lead to issues.

If the LED strip is excessively twisted, folded, or damaged at the LED chip, problems may arise either immediately or over time as the strip experiences thermal cycling.

This same issue can occur at the joints where one LED strip is soldered to another. The root cause of the problem is typically related to the LED chip and its holder.

The LED chip is responsible for generating light, and a delicate gold wire connects it to the LED holder. When these components are not correctly connected, the flow of electricity can be inconsistent, resulting in flashing LEDs.

To identify the problematic area, focus on the section of the LED strip that is flashing. Gently press this part of the LED strip with your finger. You may observe that the flicker changes or disappears.

By doing this, you pinpoint the location of the issue, which often originates from the LED chip and holder connection.

In conclusion, addressing flickering LED strip lights requires a systematic approach to troubleshooting and resolving common issues.

From ensuring tight connections to using compatible parts and selecting the right power supply, each step plays a crucial role in achieving steady and reliable lighting. Follow us to discover the Best led light strips.