Lights are dimming

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jimdiaz

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My parents had a new home built and I noticed that when the air conditioning units turn on all the lighs in the home dim for a moment. These lights are on a seperate circuit (220 for the AC 110 for the lights) What could be causing this.

Thanks

Jim
 
Re: Lights are dimming

If by new we are saying this house is less than a year old the chances are it is warranty work.Contact the builder.This could be power company problem or house wiring.
Do get this fixed asap as there may be a serious problem and risk of fire if the neutral is at fault

[ August 08, 2004, 02:59 PM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]
 
Re: Lights are dimming

This is a utility problem. I've seen it numerous times. A new house is built and the utility does not up grade its system to handle the load. May be because they were not notified. Check the location of the transformer. It may be too far away. ALso ask the utility to check the size. If its too small you get a large voltage drop at the transformer.
 
Re: Lights are dimming

How much flicker are you talking about? AC starts will always cause some flicker depending on the size of the AC, distance from the source, size of the conductors, etc. :D
 
Re: Lights are dimming

The human eye is very sensitive to lights flickering. It could be homeowner problem, with a large motor load starting.
 
Re: Lights are dimming

We do mostly residental new construction,I have seen it time and time again,for the most part it is a loose neutral at the meter or panel sometimes at the trans.I would guess on the contractors side.Production homes have installers doing the work sad but true.They can`t trim out what they install here not sure if the same holds true where you are.
 
Re: Lights are dimming

Had same problem at my own house.Retightening all connections from meter to branch circuits at panel made it go away.I would start by having the electrician making a trip to double check his connections then if still diming call poco
 
Re: Lights are dimming

we just had the same problem..sent in the poco and he all was OK on their end.Recommended the ac guys put a "soft start" on their unit.Just an add on that goes in their unit.
 
Re: Lights are dimming

How much dimming? I would expect a slight dimming momentarily when an airconditioner, modern vacume, or any large appliance is turned on. A 14000 BTU airconditioner might pull 12 amps. When my wife starts the vacume I notice the same thing but do'nt believe there is a problem, but as stated previously in this thread, you should get an electrician in to investigate,
 
Re: Lights are dimming

I am closing this thread from further discussion because correct responses have been given and further discussion should be between the home owner and his electrician or power company.
 
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