Why An Electric Furnace May Cause Flickering Lights

Why do lights in the house flicker when the electric furnace comes on? Troubleshooting Heating Furnace and Electrical Problems.

Electric Furnace and Power Problems
Electrical Repair Question: Why do lights in the house flicker when the electric furnace comes on?

• My lights in the house flicker when the electric furnace comes on.
• Today when I came home I heard a very loud humming sound, almost like the air conditioner unit was on but it was coming from the outside power meter.
• I looked at the meter and it was spinning super fast.
• I contacted the power company and of course they showed up 5 hrs later.
• The noise was gone and they are blaming it on breakers inside the house.
• I do not have any breakers tripping at all.
• I do have an outside light post and it has been going through bulbs a lot.
• I just found out it is hardwired to the meter outside.

Can you help?

This home electrical repair question came from: Rick, a Homeowner from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electric repair question Rick.

Electric Furnace Circuit Problems

Application: HVAC and Furnace Problem.
Skill Level: Advanced – a Licensed Electrical Contractor should be consulted right away.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Ammeter and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on age of the home, the condition of the electrical system and available access to electrical components.
Precaution: Electrical troubleshooting of this level is best performed by a qualified electrical contractor.

Troubleshooting an Electric Furnace

• An electric furnace requires a lot of power which can effect other electrical circuits as well.
• Here is a list of factors that could contribute to flickering lights when an electric furnace is operating:
  • The main electric service panel is not 200 sized at  amps.
  • The size of the home and number of circuit breakers.
• There may be a problem with the circuit breaker that serves the electric furnace circuit, or there may be other issues within the electrical panel and the house wiring system.
• My recommendation is to have a qualified electrical contractor inspect the electrical panel and the furnace circuit.
• Typically, the electrical utility provider’s responsibility ends at the electric meter and they will not service the electrical panel or circuit breakers.

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines for Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Find An Electrician Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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