Interior house lights flickering

[galgon]

So this is my first year running a show and I finally have it up and running with some test sequences.  I have noticed that my interior house lights like to flicker when I am running some of the heavy flashing sequences of all lights on all lights off.  I have about 22 amps of lights running which is 10 thousand regular mini lights across 2 circuits (20 amp and 15 amp).  The 20amp takes most of the load (16 amps) but is a dedicated circuit.  The 15 amp also runs some of the interior sockets and such. 

So my question is, is this normal?  Should I be worried about messing up any of my electronics because of this?  Is there anyway to fix it other than switching to LEDS?

[tpctech]

you are probably fine.  Do you notice this same flicker or lights blinking when other normal heavy load items in the house turn-on like electric dryer, well pump.  Depending on the size of you electrical service,  distance from the house to the transformer can cause some "sag" when your load changes.

KEN

[caretaker]

It could be normal BUT you might want to have the Power Company check the drop the feeds your house for loose (bad) connections and either you or a electrician check your panel for loose connections which can cause those symptoms. My show runs off a sub panel running off a 50amp breaker in my main panel and I notice no flickering in our house lights but every situation is different.

[deplanche]

I have the same problem with my interior lights.  Never had any problems from it, other then a headache when in a room with poor lighting to begin with (like the bathroom), where the lights are constantly flickering.  Easy solution... don't shower during the light show.

[jnealand]

The first year I moved into this house, I had so many lights up (all static back then) that if we turned on the microwave the breaker tripped.  That was my sign that I needed to add more dedicated outlets.  The second sign was how other interior lights dimmed.  Either add dedicated circuits or shop for a lot of LEDs.  I can now run all the lights ON my house, plus the 17ft megatree off one outlet, but they are all LED.  The incan arches and mini trees are a whole other story.  I will be replacing my mini trees soon.

[galgon]

Well just had another issue.  While running the show my wife turned on the oven and blew the oven breaker.  It was lout too.  I have never heard a 40 amp push type breaker go but it will scare you a bit  No idea why it would blow the oven breaker and not the main if it was over loaded (which it should not be).  Both the lights and the oven are on the same side of the breaker and share the same 100 amp main. 

I doubt it was a coincidence.  Just need to refrain from baking while the lights are on I guess.  I am running 2 more dedicated outlets for next year and will need to start buying some LEDS I guess.   

[tng5737]

I think it would be safer to not run the show until you can do so w/o tripping breakers!

[rrowan]

Well just had another issue.  While running the show my wife turned on the oven and blew the oven breaker.  It was lout too.  I have never heard a 40 amp push type breaker go but it will scare you a bit  No idea why it would blow the oven breaker and not the main if it was over loaded (which it should not be).  Both the lights and the oven are on the same side of the breaker and share the same 100 amp main. 

I doubt it was a coincidence.  Just need to refrain from baking while the lights are on I guess.  I am running 2 more dedicated outlets for next year and will need to start buying some LEDS I guess.

I would seriously get a certified electrician to check out your electric.

Rick R.

[Jeffl]

I don't run any 220 devices while the show is running if I can help it.  When we hit things hared you can see our lights in some of the rooms dim slightly.  The funny thing is not all bulbs in the house do it.

For once I like the CFL bulbs in my living room.

I guess these things happen when you pull as much juice as we do.  But then we have 32 20 amp circuits dedicated to this insane hobby.

If in doubt, have it checked out.  Even if your not in doubt, have it checked out.  Then learn from the rest of us and start switching to LED's.