InspectAPedia® -
InspectAPedia® FREE Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Construction, Diagnosis, Maintenance & Repair The accuracy & trustworthiness of every article or Q&A is researched by human experts. See WHO ARE WE? | Question? Just ask us!  InspectAPedia |
- HOME
- SEARCH
- AGE OF BUILDING +
- AIR CONDITIONER & HEAT PUMP
- BUILDING AGE- home
- ARCHITECTURE - home
- BULBS & CONNECTORS
- CHIMNEYS & FIREPLACES
- DOOR HARDWARE
- DRYWALL, FIBERBOARD, PLASTER - home
- ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLES
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
- ELECTRICAL WIRING
- FLOORING
- FOUNDATION
- FRAMING
- HEATING EQUIPMENT
- HEATER, BOILER, FURNACE
- HISTORIC BUILDINGS
- HVAC
- INSULATION
- KIT HOMES
- LOG CABIN
- NAILS SPIKES BOLTS - home
- PLASTER
- PLUMBING
- PORCHES
- ROOFING MATERIALS
- SAW & AXE CUTS
- SEPTIC SYSTEM
- SIDING MATERIAL
- WATER HEATER
- WINDOWS & DOORS
- AIR CONDITIONING +
- A/C WON'T START
- AGE of HVAC
- AIR FILTERS - home
- AIR HANDLER - home
- BLOWER FAN
- COMPRESSOR / CONDENSER - home
- CONTROLS & SWITCHES
- DIAGNOSTIC GUIDES
- DUCT SYSTEM - home
- EDUCATION COURSES
- EVAPORATIVE COOLING
- HARD START COMPRESSOR
- HEAT PUMP
- HEATING SYSTEM - home
- MANUALS & PARTS - home
- OPERATING COST
- OPERATING TEMPERATURE
- REFRIGERANT
- REPAIR GUIDES- home
- SPLIT SYSTEM - home
- THERMOSTATS- home
- VENTILATION - home
- APPLIANCES +
- ASBESTOS
- CLOTHES DRYER
- CLOTHES DRYER VENT
- COFFEE MAKER
- DISHWASHER
- DOORBELL
- EFFICIENCY RATINGS
- ELECTRIC MOTOR
- EXHAUST FAN
- GARBAGE DISPOSER
- GAS FIREPLACES LOGS
- MICROWAVE
- NOISE
- OVEN DOOR
- RANGE COOKTOP OVEN - home
- REFRIGRATOR
- THERMOCOUPLE
- THERMOSTATS
- TRASH COMPACTOR
- VACUUM CLEANER
- WASHING MACHINE
- WASHING MACHINE vs SEPTIC
- WATER HEATER
- WINDOW / WALL AIR CONDITIONER
- ARCHITECTURE +
- AGE of a BUILDING
- ARCHITECTURE ID - home
- ARCHITECTURE STYLE & AGE
- BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME
- CHIMNEY
- DEFINITIONS
- DICTIONARY
- HISTORIC & OLD BUILDINGS
- HOUSE PARTS
- KIT HOMES
- MANUFACTURED HOME, DOUBLEWIDE
- MOBILE HOME
- MODULAR HOME
- ROOF STYLE
- ROOF DORMER
- SIDING
- WINDOWS
- CODES +
- ACCESS RESTRICTIONS
- AFCI GFCI
- CONCEALED SPACE FIRE
- CRAWL SPACE VENTILATION
- DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
- ELECTRICAL
- ELEVATOR & STAIR LIFT
- FIRE RATING ROOF SURFACES
- FRAMING TABLES, SPANS
- GRABRAIL GRAB BAR
- HANDRAIL
- LIGHTING
- MOBILE HOME
- MOBILE OFFICE
- RAILING - home
- RETAINING WALL GUARDRAIL
- ROOFING
- SAFETY HAZARDS
- STAIRS - home
- SEPTIC DESIGN U.S.A.
- SEPTIC & SEWAGE CODES
- VENTILATION
- CHIMNEY +
- ABANDONED
- BRACKET & GALLOWS
- CRACK
- DIRECT / SIDE WALL VENTS
- DRAFT
- FIRE CLEARANCES
- FIREPLACES & HEARTHS - home
- FLASHING
- FLUE INSPECTION
- FLUE SIZE
- FLUE TILE DAMAGE
- HEIGHT
- INSPECTION
- LEANING, MOVEMENT
- MASONRY CHIMNEY - home
- METAL CHIMNEYS & FLUES - home
- RAIN CAP
- RE-LINING
- REPAIR
- STAINS & LEAKS
- UNLINED FLUES
- WOOD STOVES - home
- DAMAGE +
- ANIMAL DAMAGE
- DISASTER INSPECT REPAIR - home
- EARTHQUAKE - home
- FLOOD - home
- FLOOD REPAIR PRIORITIES
- HURRICANE DAMAGE
- MOLD PREVENTION
- ROOF DAMAGE, WIND
- SALVAGE BUILDING CONTENTS
- SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS
- STORM-RESISTANT WINDOWS
- STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS
- WILDFIRE DAMAGE
- WIND DAMAGE
- ELECTRIC +
- AFCIs
- ALUMINUM WIRING - home
- AMPS VOLTS
- BACK-WIRED DEVICES - home
- BACKUP GENERATORS
- BATHROOM FAN
- BULBS - home
- BX WIRING
- CAPACITORS for MOTORS
- CEILING LIGHT
- CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE
- CIRCUIT BREAKER / FUSE INSPECT
- CIRCUIT ID, MAP & LABEL
- CLEARANCES
- COMPRESSOR MOTOR CAPACITOR
- CONDUIT
- COPPER-CLAD ALUMINUM WIRE
- DEFINITIONS
- DISTRIBUTION PANEL
- DMM MULTIMETER
- ELECTRICAL BOX
- ELECTRICAL CODE BASICS
- ELECTRICITY LOSS / FLICKERING LIGHTS
- FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE- home
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT
- GENERATORS
- GFCI
- GROUND SYSTEM - home
- KNOB & TUBE WIRING
- LIGHTING, EXTERIOR - home
- LIGHTING, INTERIOR - home
- LOW VOLTAGEWIRING
- METERS & BASES
- MOTOR REPAIR - home
- MOTOR WIRE SIZE
- MULTI-WIRE CIRCUITS
- NOISES, ELECTRICAL
- OLD HOUSE ELECTRIC- home
- OUTLET, WIRE - home
- PANEL- home
- RELAY SWITCHES
- SAFETY
- SERVICE ENTRY- home
- SPLICE
- THERMAL IMAGING
- TURN BACK ON
- ZINSCO SYLVANIA
- ENERGY +
- AIR CHANGE RATE
- AIR LEAKS - home
- AIR LEAKS RETURN DUCTS
- AIR LEAKS SUPPLY DUCTS
- BASEMENT HEAT LOSS
- BIO-FUEL
- BLOWER DOORS
- DUCT SYSTEM
- ENERGY AUDIT
- ENERGY RETROFIT
- ENERGY SAVINGS PRIORITY
- ENERGY USE MONITOR
- HEAT COST SAVINGS
- HEAT LOSS INDICATORS
- HIGH MASS TRADEOFFS
- ROOF COLOR
- R U & K VALUE
- SEER RATING
- SOLAR ENERGY
- TIMERS
- VENTILATION, HEAT COST
- WATER HEATER TIMER
- WIND ENERGY
- WINDOW EFFICIENCY
- ENVIRONMENT +
- AIR POLLUTANTS
- ALLERGENS +
- ALLERGEN TESTS
- ARSENIC HAZARDS
- ASBESTOS HAZARDS
- ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION - home
- ASBESTOS in THIS MATERIAL?
- ASBESTOS LIST of PRODUCTS
- ASBESTOS PHOTO GUIDE
- BACKUP, SEPTIC-SEWAGE
- BACTERIA, MOLD, POLLEN
- BANNED ASBESTOS PRODUCTS
- BEDBUGS
- BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
- CEILING TILE ASBESTOS ID
- CELL PHONE RADIATION
- CHINESE DRYWALL
- DISINFECTANTS, SANITIZERS, SEALANTS
- ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
- FIBERGLASS HAZARDS
- FIBERGLASS INSULATION MOLD
- FIBERGLASS SHEDDING
- FIBERGLASS CONTAMINANTS
- FLOOR TILE ASBESTOS
- FORMALDEHYDE HAZARDS
- GAS DETECTION
- HAZARD vs RISK
- HOUSE DUST
- INDOOR AIR QUALITY IAQ
- MOLD CONTAMINATION
- MOLD / ENVIRONMENT EXPERT
- MORGELLONS SYNDROME
- MYCOTOXIN EFFECTS
- NOISE DIAGNOSIS
- ODOR DIAGNOSIS
- PESTICIDE EXPOSURE
- POPCORN CEILING ASBESTOS
- SEWAGE CONTAMINATION
- EXTERIOR +
- BRICK WALL WEEP HOLES
- DECK & PORCH CONSTRUCT - home
- DOORS, EXTERIOR
- FIBER CEMENT SIDING - home
- FLASHING on BUILDINGS - home
- PAINT FAILURE
- LIGHTNING PROTECTION
- PAINT FAILURE - home
- RAMPS, ACCESS - home
- SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD
- SLIP TRIP & FALL HAZARDS
- STAIR CONSTRUCTION - home
- STAIR DIMENSIONS
- STUCCO WALL METHODS
- WINDOWS & DOORS, AGE, TYPES
- HEAT +
- AGE of A/C & HEAT PUMPS
- AGE of HEATER, BOILER, FURNACE
- AIR FILTERS f- home
- AIR HANDLER / BLOWER UNIT - home
- AQUASTAT CONTROL - home
- BACKDRAFTING
- BACKUP HEAT for HEAT PUMPS
- BANGING HEAT SYSTEM NOISES
- BANGING HEAT ZONE VALVES
- BANGING PIPES RADIATORS
- BUZZING NOISE
- BASEBOARD HEAT REPAIR - home
- BLOWER FAN
- BOILERS - home
- CAD CELL RELAY
- CHECK VALVES
- CIRCULATOR PUMPS- home
- CLEARANCE DISTANCES
- COMBUSTION AIR
- CONDENSING BOILERS/FURNACES
- CONTROLS & SWITCHES
- CONVECTOR HEATERS
- DAMPERS & DRAFT REGULATORS
- DATA TAGS
- DIAGNOSE & FIX A/C / HEAT PUMP
- DIAGNOSE & FIX BOILER - home
- DIAGNOSE & FIX FURNACE - home
- DIRECT VENT / SIDE WALL VENT
- DRAFT REGULATORS / HOODS, GAS
- DRAFT MEASUREMENT
- DRAFT REGULATOR
- DUCT SYSTEM - home
- ELECTRIC HEAT - home
- EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEM
- EXPANSION TANK, BOILER - home
- FAN, AIR HANDLER BLOWER - home
- FAN LIMIT SWITCH - home
- FILTERS, AIR
- FILTERS, OIL
- FIRE SAFETY CONTROLS
- FIREPLACES & HEARTHS - home
- FLUE SIZE
- FURNACE CONTROLS
- FURNACES, HEATING - home
- GAS BURNER FLAME & NOISE
- GAS BURNER PILOT LIGHT
- GEOTHERMAL HEAT
- HEAT PUMP REPAIR - home
- HEAT LOSS DIAGNOSIS-BOILERS
- HEAT LOSS DIAGNOSIS-FURNACES
- HEAT WON'T TURN OFF
- HEAT WON'T TURN ON
- HEATING COST SAVINGS
- HEATING OIL- home
- HEATING SYSTEM NOISE
- HUMMING NOISE
- LIFE EXPECTANCY A/C / HEAT PUMP
- LIFE EXPECTANCY FAN / WALL CONVECTOR
- LIFE EXPECTANCY FURNACE
- LOW VOLTAGE WIRING
- MANUALS
- MINI SPLIT A/C & HEAT PUMPS
- MOBILE HOME HEAT
- NO HEAT - BOILER
- NO HEAT - FURNACE
- OIL STORAGE TANKS
- OPERATING TEMPERATURES
- PORTABLE ELECTRIC HEATER
- RADIANT HEAT
- STEAM HEAT
- THERMOSTATS - home
- THERMOSTAT WIRING
- ZONE VALVES
- INSPECTION +
- ADVANCED METHODS
- CARPENTER ANTS
- CARPENTER BEES
- DISASTER INSPECTION- home
- DUST SAMPLING
- FEAR-O-METER: Dan's 3 D's SET REPAIR PRIORITIES
- FIBER & HAIR IDENTIFICATION
- FIBERGLASS PARTICLE
- FIRE OFF-GASSING
- FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
- GAS TEST PROCEDURES
- HISTORIC & OLD BUILDINGS
- HOUSE DUST ANALYSIS
- INSECT INFESTATION - home
- LIGHT, GUIDE to FORENSIC USE
- LIGHT, UV BLACK LIGHT USES
- MICROSCOPY
- STRUCTURAL DAMAGE PROBING
- TERMITE DAMAGE
- THERMAL EXPANSION
- INDOOR AIR +
- AIRBORNE MOLD LEVEL
- AIRBORNE PARTICLE ANALYSIS
- ALLERGEN TESTS
- ANIMAL ALLERGENS DANDER
- CARBON DIOXIDE
- CARBON MONOXIDE
- CARPETING
- CAT DANDER
- COMBUSTION GASES
- DUST SAMPLING
- EMERGENCY RESPONSE, IAQ, GAS, MOLD
- FIBERGLASS - home
- HUMIDITY
- IAQ & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
- INDOOR AIR HAZARDS
- ODORS GASES SMELLS- home
- VENTILATION
- INSULATION +
- ATTIC
- BASEMENT
- FIBERGLASS
- FRAMING DETAILS
- HOT ROOF PROBLEMS
- INSULATION AIR & HEAT LEAKS
- INSULATION CHOICES
- INSULATION FACT SHEET- DOE
- INSULATION GREENHOUSE
- INSULATION ID
- INSULATION LOCATION
- INSULATION MOLD
- INSULATION R-VALUES
- POLYSTYRENE FOAM
- RIGID FOAM
- UFFI UREA FORMALDEHYDE FOAM
- INTERIOR +
- ASBESTOS in DRYWALL
- BATH & KITCHEN DESIGN - home
- CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS - home
- CARPETING - home
- CARPET STAIN ID
- CEILING STAIN DIAGNOSIS
- CERAMIC TILE FLOOR, WALL
- CONDENSATION
- COUNTERTOPS
- DRYWALL FIBERBOARD PLASTER- home
- EFFLORESCENCE WHITE DEPOSIT
- FIBERBOARD- home
- FIREPLACES & HEARTHS
- FLOOR, CONCRETE SLAB
- FLOOR TYPES & DEFECTS - home
- INTERIOR FINISHES
- KITCHEN DESIGN
- MOISTURE CONTROL
- PAINT FAILURE - home
- PLASTER METHODS
- RESILIENT SHEET FLOORING - home
- SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD
- SHEET FLOORING ID
- SLIP TRIP & FALL
- STAIR CONSTRUCTION
- STAIN DIAGNOSIS
- STUCCO WALL METHODS
- THERMAL TRACKING
- TILED SURFACES
- TRIM, INTERIOR
- WALL FINISHES
- WOOD STOVE OPERATION - home
- WOOD FLOOR DAMAGE
- MOBILE HOME +
- BUYERS ADVICE
- CODES & MANUALS
- COMBUSTION AIR SAFETY
- CONNECTIONS, MULTI-WIDE
- COOLING SYSTEM
- CRAWL SPACES
- CROSSOVER CONNECTORS
- DATA TAGS & LABELS
- DEMOLISH REMOVE MOVE
- ELECTRICAL POWER LOST
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- EMERGENCY EGRESS WINDOWS
- ENERGY ZONES
- EXTERIOR DEFECTS
- FLICKERING LIGHTS
- FOUNDATIONS
- GFCI DIAGNOSIS
- HEALTH DEPARTMENT HELP
- HEATING SYSTEM
- INSPECTIONS
- INSULATION & VENTILATION
- INTERIOR DEFECTS
- LEAKS
- MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
- MOLD CONTAMINATION
- PIERS
- PLUMBING
- ROOF
- SAFETY
- SKIRTING
- STABILIZING & TIE DOWNS
- STRUCTURE
- TEMPORARY OFFICE TRAILER
- WALL DEFECTS
- WATER HEATERS
- WIND RATINGS
- WINTERIZE
- MOLD +
- ACTION GUIDE
- AIRBORNE MOLD COUNT - home
- AIRBORNE PARTICLE LEVEL- home
- ASPERGILLOSIS
- ATTIC MOISTURE or MOLD
- BLACK MOLD, HARMLESS
- BLEACHING MOLD
- BOOK / DOCUMENT MOLD
- CABINET MOLD
- CACTUS FUNGI / MOLD
- CAR MOLD CONTAMINATION
- CARPET MOLD / ODOR TESTS
- CAR MOLD CONTAMINATION
- CEILING STAIN DIAGNOSIS
- DIRT FLOOR MOLD
- DRYWALL MOLD
- DUST / MOLD SAMPLING
- EFFLORESCENCE & WHITE DEPOSITS
- EMERGENCY RESPONSE
- FEAR of MOLD - MYCOPHOBIA
- FIBERBOARD SHEATHING MOLD
- FIBERGLASS INSULATION MOLD
- FIND MOLD, ESSENTIAL STEPS
- FOXING STAINS
- HARD TO SEE MOLD, SPOTTING
- HIDDEN MOLD
- HUMIDITY CONTROL & TARGETS
- LIGHT, USE TO FIND MOLD
- MERULIPORIA FUNGUS
- MILDEW
- MOBILE HOME MOLD
- MODULAR HOME MOLD
- MOLD A COMPLETE GUIDE - home
- MOLD SAFETY ADVICE for TENANTS
- MOLD CLEANUP
- MOLD AGE
- MOLD APPEARANCE
- MOLD CLEARANCE INSPECTION
- MOLD COUNT NUMBERS
- MOLD CULTURE SAMPLING
- MOLD DETECTION
- MOLD DOCTOR
- MOLD ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERTS
- MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS
- MOLD FREQUENCY
- MOLD INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE
- MOLD ODORS, MUSTY SMELLS
- MOLD PREVENTION - home
- MOLD RELATED ILLNESS
- MOLD SANITIZER, SPRAY, BIOCIDE
- MOLD TEST PROCEDURES
- MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS
- MYCOTOXIN EFFECTS
- OZONE TREATMENT WARNING
- NOISE +
- BANGING BOOMING NOISES - home
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOISE
- FAN NOISES
- HEATING SYSTEM NOISE
- HVAC SYSTEM NOISE
- NOISE CONTROL for ROOFS
- PLUMBING SYSTEM NOISE - home
- RELAY SWITCH NOISE
- ROOF IMPACT NOISE
- ROOF NOISE TRANSMISSION - home
- SOUND CONTROL
- TEMPERATURE CHANGE & ROOF NOISE
- WATER HAMMER NOISE
- ODOR +
- AIR CONDITIONING
- ANIMAL or URINE
- CAR ODORS, ANIMALS
- FLOOR DRAIN / TRAP
- METHANE & SEWER GAS
- MOLD ODORS
- MVOCs MOLDY MUSTY
- ODOR CONTROL for SEPTIC
- ODORS FROM HEATING SYSTEMS
- ODORS, PLUMBING SYSTEM
- ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER
- ODOR SENSITIVITIY
- OZONE MOLD / ODOR TREATMENT
- PLUMBING SYSTEM - home
- SMELL PATCH FIND ODOR SOURCE
- URINE ODOR SOURCE
- WATER ODOR CURE
- PLUMBING +
- AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS
- CHECK VALVES
- CLEARANCE DISTANCES
- CLOGGED DRAIN REPAIR
- COMPOSTING TOILETS
- DISPOSABLE WET WIPE CLOGS
- DRAIN CLEANOUTS
- FLOOR DRAIN / TRAP ODORS
- GAS TANKS & PIPING
- OIL TANKS & PIPING
- PLUMBING TRAPS
- PLUMBING VENTS - home
- SEPTIC SYSTEMS
- SEWAGE PUMPS - home
- TANKLESS COIL HOT WATER
- TOILETS - home
- WATER HEATERS, ELECTRIC - home
- WATER PIPE CLOG
- WATER PRESSURE DIAGNOSE
- WATER PRESSURE IMPROVE
- WATER PRESSURE LOSS- home
- WATER PUMPS & WELLS
- WATER SHUTOFF VALVE
- WATER SOFTENERS - home
- WATER PIPING - home
- WATER TANK - home
- WINTERIZE A BUILDING
- ROOF +
- AGE
- ASBESTOS & FIBER CEMENT - home
- ASPHALT SHINGLES - home
- CLAY TILE - home
- CLEANING
- COLOR
- CONCRETE
- CONTRACTOR, CHOOSE
- CORRUGATED
- DEBRIS STAINING
- DISPUTE RESOLUTION
- EPDM, RUBBER, PVC
- EXTRACTIVE BLEEDING SHINGLES
- FELT UNDERLAYMENT - home
- FIBER CEMENT ROOFING - home
- FIBERBOARD & FIBER-WOOD
- FIRE RATINGS
- FLASHING on BUILDINGS - home
- FLAT ROOF LEAKS
- HAIL DAMAGE
- ICE DAM
- INSPECTION
- LEAD ROOFING & FLASHING
- LEAK REPAIR - home
- LOW SLOPE - home
- MATERIALS, AGE, TYPES
- MEMBRANE & SINGLE PLY
- METAL- home
- PLASTIC ROOFING TYPES
- PVC, EPDM, RUBBER MEMBRANE
- ROLL ROOFING, ASPHALT & SBS
- RUBBER SHINGLES SLATES
- SBS ROOFING ROLL & BUR ROOFS
- SEALANTS & MASTICS
- SHINGLE STORAGE
- SLATE - home
- SLOPE CALCULATIONS
- STAINS - home
- STANDARDS
- STONE ROOF
- THATCH ROOF
- TILE, CLAY - home
- TILES, CONCRETE
- VENTILATION - home
- WALKABLE
- WARRANTIES
- WHITE STAINS - home
- WIND DAMAGE
- WIND NOISES
- WIND DAMAGE RESISTANT
- WOOD SHAKE & SHINGLE - home
- WORKMANSHIP & DAMAGE
- SEPTIC +
- AEROBIC ATUs - home
- AGE of SEPTIC SYSTEM
- BACKUP PREVENTION
- BIOMAT FORMATION & SEPTIC LIFE
- BOD WASTEWATER TEST
- CAMERAS, SEWER / SEPTIC
- CARE - home
- CESSPOOLS
- CHAMBER SEPTIC SYSTEMS
- CLEARANCE DISTANCES
- CLOGGED DRAIN REPAIR
- CLOGGED DRAIN FIELD
- CODES - home
- COMMERCIAL SEPTIC
- COMPONENT LOCATIONS - home
- D-BOX INSTALL REPAIR
- DESIGN ALTERNATIVES - home
- DESIGN BASICS - home
- DESIGN PREVENT FLOOD DAMAGE
- DIFFICULT SEPTIC SITE
- DISPERSAL METHODS
- DISPOSAL vs TREATMENT
- DRAINFIELD TEST - home
- DRIVING OVER SEPTIC
- DRYWELL
- EFFLUENT DISTRIBUTION
- EFFLUENT RETENTION TIME
- FAILURE SIGNS
- FILTERS
- FLOODED SYSTEM REPAIR
- FREEZE PROTECTION
- FREEZE-UP SOLUTIONS
- FROZEN AEROBIC SEPTIC
- GARBAGE DISPOSAL vs SEPTICS
- GRAVELLESS SEPTIC
- GREYWATER SYSTEMS
- HOOT AEROBIC SEPTIC
- HOME BUYERS GUIDE
- HOME SELLERS GUIDE
- HOW SEPTIC SYSTEMS WORK
- INSPECT & TEST - home
- INSPECT & TEST LAWS
- LAUNDROMAT WASTEWATER
- LIFE EXPECTANCY
- LOADING & DYE TEST - home
- LOW COST SYSTEMS
- MAINTENANCE - home
- MEDIA FILTER SYSTEMS - home
- ODOR CONTROL
- ODORS, SEWER GAS
- PLANTS OVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS
- PUMPING the SEPTIC TANK
- PUMPS
- REPAIR - home
- SAFETY
- SANDY SOIL SYSTEMS
- SEEPAGE PITS
- SEWAGE BACKUP
- SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS
- SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
- SEWER CONNECTION? - home
- TANKS - home
- TANK CLEANING
- TANK COVERS
- TANK DEPTH
- TANK, HOW TO FIND
- TANK PUMPING
- TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
- TANK TEES
- STRUCTURE +
- ADOBE CONSTRUCTION
- BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
- BLOCK FOUNDATION / WALLS - home
- BRICK FOUNDATIONS & WALLS - home
- BUILDING DAMAGE REPAIR
- BULGED vs. LEANING FOUNDATIONS
- CARPENTER ANTS
- CHIMNEY REPAIR - home
- CLAY HOLLOW TILE
- CLEARANCE DISTANCES - topic home
- COLUMNS & POSTS, DEFECTS
- CONCRETE FOUNDATION, WALL, SLAB
- CONTROL JOINT CRACKS
- CRAWL SPACES
- DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
- DECK & PORCH - home
- EARTHQUAKE, FLOOD, DISASTER
- FIBERBOARD SHEATHING - home
- FIRE ESCAPES & STAIRS
- FIRE STOPPING
- FOUNDATION TYPES
- FOUNDATION CRACKS & DAMAGE- home
- FOUNDATION REPAIR - home
- FRAMING AGE, SIZE, SPACING, TYPES
- FRAMING CONNECTORS
- FRAMING DAMAGE REPAIR - home
- FRAMING FASTENERS
- FRAMING SQUARE - home
- FRAMING TABLES, SPANS
- HOUSEWRAP
- INSECT DAMAGE - home
- LOG HOME REPAIR
- MOBILE HOMES
- MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
- MOISTURE CONTROL
- PANELIZED CONSTRUCTION
- PORCH CONSTRUCTION
- ROOF BEND SAG COLLAPSE
- ROOF FRAMING TIES & BEAMS
- ROOF TRUSS UPLIFT
- ROT TYPES
- SHIPPING CONTAINER HOUSING
- SINKHOLES / SUBSIDENCES
- STAIRS, RAILINGS, LANDINGS, RAMPS - home
- STRESS SKIN / SIPS
- STRUCTURAL DAMAGE PROBING
- TERMITE INSPECTION & DAMAGE
- TIMBER FRAMING, ROT
- TRUSSES, FLOOR & ROOF
- TRUSS UPLIFT, ROOF
- WATER ENTRY, LEAKS
- WOOD STRUCTURE ASSESSMENT
- VENTILATE +
- ATTIC VENTILATION
- BALANCED VENTILATION
- BATHROOM VENT CODES - home
- BATHROOM VENT DUCT ROUTING
- KITCHEN VENT DESIGN
- HIP ROOF VENTILATION
- HOT ROOF PROBLEMS
- ICE DAM PREVENTION
- ROOF ICE DAM LEAKS
- ROOF VENTILATION CODE- home
- SKYLIGHT VENTILATION
- SOFFIT VENTILATION
- WATER +
- AIR VOLUME CONTROLS
- ARTESIAN WELLS, SPOOLS
- CHECK VALVES
- CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS
- CISTERNS
- FOOT VALVES
- GREYWATER SYSTEMS - home
- NO WATER PRESSURE
- ODORS
- PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL
- PUMPS
- SPRINGS
- SWIMMING WATER
- WATER CONSERVATION- home
- WATER CONTAMINATION - home
- WATER FILTERS
- WATER METERS
- WATER ODORS
- WATER POLLUTANTS
- WATER PRESSURE BOOSTER
- WATER PRESSURE LOSS - home
- WATER PRESSURE REDUCER / REGULATOR
- WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL
- WATER PUMP PRIMING
- WATER PUMP REPAIR - home
- WATER TANK REPAIR - home
- WATER TESTS - home
- WATER TREATMENT - home
- WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS - home
- CONSULT
- ESTIMATE
- CONTACT
|
Flickering Fluorescent Light Causes / Cures
Diagnose & fix flickering fluorescent lights - POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about building electrical systems, power, wiring, and flickering or dimming lights
To fix a flickering fluorescent light fixture we will be successful more quickly and at a lower cost if we take a few minutes to figure out what's wrong:
Is it the bulb, a connection, a loose wire, a bad starter, a bad ballast or transformer, or something else?
To sort out the causes and cures for flickering fluorescent lights we start by listing the causes of this annoying problem. After reviewing the causes of flickering lights we continue with the most-likely repair: diagnosing a bad bulb or lamp.
This article series explains how to diagnose the causes of flickering or dimming fluorescent light fixtures in buildings. Watch out: flickering or dimming lights might indicate a dangerous condition risking a building fire or an electrical shock. If the simple bulb or starter repairs we describe here don't cure the flickering, switch off the bad-acting light fixture, leave it off, circuit and ask for help from a licensed electrician.
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?
Causes of Flickering Fluorescent Light Fixture
Properly-functioning fluorescent lights should not produce a flickering that is noticeable. Standards for ballasts typically state:
Ballasts shall operate lamps with no visible flicker (<3% flicker index).
Traditional fluorescent lamps using a magnetic (old style) ballast may produce a high-frequency flickering that is sometimes barely noticeable. Fluorescents using a newer electronic ballast should will never show visible flickering unless there is another problem present.
More noticeable fluorescent lamp flickering occurs at the end of the fluorescent lamp's life and is a sign that the lamp (bulb) is ready for replacement.
However there are other sources of abnormal flickering fluorescent light fixtures that mean repairs are needed.
Common causes of flickering fluorescent light fixtures
- Bad electrical contact - between the pins at the end of the fluorescent tube and the metal contacts or clips inside of the tube socket at each end. A fluorescent bulb that has not been properly seated into its contacts at both ends is, in my experience, one of the most-frequent causes of flickering or poorly-operating lamps. Before even thinking about installing a new bulb, try rotating the tube back and forth 45 degrees in its socket to see if improved contact stops the flickering. Watch out: take care not to use too much force nor to break the bulb as doing so exposes you to dangerous glass fragments and mercury dust and vapor.
- A bad fluorescent light bulb - notice dark or black burn marks near the ends of the tube - an indicator of age and possibly that the tube is at end of life. try replacing the bulb with a known-good one; Details are at DIAGNOSE a BAD FLUORESCENT LAMP / BULB Also see REPLACE a FLUORESCENT LAMP / BULB If you have to dispose of a defective fluorescent bulb, or if despite our warnings above you do break a fluorescent bulb, you will find cleanup instructions at FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE BULB / BALLAST DISPOSAL.
- A bad starter in the fixture - try replacing the starter. Details are at FLUORESCENT LIGHT STARTER REPLACEMENT
- A bad ballast in the fixture. Replacing a bad magnetic ballast with an electronic ballast can remove problems of flickering fluorescent light and will lower the operating cost of the fixture. Details are at FLUORESCENT LIGHT TRANSFORMER / BALLAST REPLACEMENT
Less common causes of problems with fluorescent lights
- A bad bulb connector-socket: damaged, loose, or missing connectors in the clip-type socket into which the fluorescent bulb pins are inserted. See FLUORESCENT LAMP CONNECTOR / SOCKET REPLACEMENT
- Bad bulb connector: loose or damaged pins in the ends of the fluorescent light bulb (lamp) itself (uncommon) - you'll discover this by inspecting the pins on the end of the lamp: if a pin is bent, loose, or broken, replace the bulb. Don't try to straighten a severely-bent pin: the risk is that you'll break the bulb or render its contacts and electrodes unsafe. See REPLACE a FLUORESCENT LAMP / BULB
- Bad wiring or switch: a loose or bad electrical wire connection or splice in the light switch or in the circuit supplying power to the light fixture. An electrician will check wiring connections and splices and perhaps trace the circuit for a loose connector upstream. See LIGHT SWITCH WIRING DETAILS
- Unsafe electrical circuit breaker or unsafe electrical wire: some brands of circuit breaker may cause flickering lights or may fail to turn off in response to an over-current or short circuit, and may even fail to turn off internally when the toggle is switched to the OFF position. Examples are at CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE RATES Aluminum branch circuit wiring, found in some older homes wired in North America in the 1970's can overheat enough to start a fire without ever tripping a circuit breaker. Flickering lights can be a symptom of this problem developing IF your home uses aluminum wire. Details are at ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS & REPAIRS - home
- Voltage variations - or "voltage flickering" traced to the electrical power source.
Research on Flickering Fluorescent Lighting
- Sun, J., D. Czarkowski, and Z. Zabar. "Voltage flicker mitigation using PWM-based distribution STATCOM." In Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting, 2002 IEEE, vol. 1, pp. 616-621. IEEE, 2002.
- Veitch, Jennifer A., and Shelley L. McColl. "Modulation of fluorescent light: Flicker rate and light source effects on visual performance and visual comfort." Lighting Research and technology 27, no. 4 (1995): 243-256.
- Wilkins, A. J., I. Nimmo-Smith, A. I. Slater, and L. Bedocs. "Fluorescent lighting, headaches and eyestrain." Lighting Research and Technology 21, no. 1 (1989): 11-18.
- Winterbottom, Mark, and Arnold Wilkins. "Lighting and discomfort in the classroom." Journal of Environmental Psychology 29, no. 1 (2009): 63-75.
- Zweers, T., L. Preller, B. Brunekreef, and J. S. M. Boleij. "Health and indoor climate complaints of 7043 office workers in 61 buildings in the Netherlands." Indoor Air 2, no. 3 (1992): 127-136.
...
Continue reading at DIAGNOSE a BAD FLUORESCENT LAMP / BULB or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see these
Recommended Articles
- DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS
- ELECTRIC POWER LOSS / FLICKERING LIGHTS - home
- FLICKERING LIGHTS, LOST NEUTRAL
- FLUORESCENT LIGHTING GUIDE INDOORS for Indoors and Guide to Using Compact Fluorescent Lights
- FLUORESCENT LIGHTS COMPACT INDOOR
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT REPAIRS
- HOW FLUORESCENT LIGHTS WORK
- ELECTRIC POWER LOSS / FLICKERING LIGHTS
- DIAGNOSE a BAD FLUORESCENT LAMP / BULB
- REPLACE a FLUORESCENT LAMP / BULB
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT BALLAST TYPES
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULB CODES & TYPES
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULB PHOTOS
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULB COLOR TEMPERATURE
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT FLICKERING CAUSES
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT FLICKERING CAUSES
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT STARTER REPLACEMENT
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT TRANSFORMER / BALLAST REPLACEMENT
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT TRANSFORMER / BALLAST TYPES
- FLUORESENT BULB SOCKET TYPES
- FLUORESCENT LAMP CONNECTOR / SOCKET REPLACEMENT
- FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE BULB / BALLAST DISPOSAL
- FLUORESCENT LAMP INSTRUCTIONS, PARTS, REPLACEMENTS
- FLUORESCENT vs INCANDESCENT BULBS
- MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL - FLICKERING LIGHTS
- MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL GFCI DIAGNOSIS
- MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL POWER LOST
Suggested citation for this web page
FLUORESCENT LIGHT FLICKERING CAUSES at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
Share this article Or see this
INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING
Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia
Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia
Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.
Search the InspectApedia website
Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.
Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.
Comment Form is loading comments...
IF above you see "Comment Form is loading comments..." then COMMENT BOX - countable.ca / bawkbox.com IS NOT WORKING. In any case you are welcome to send an email directly to us at InspectApedia.com at [email protected]
We'll reply to you directly. Please help us help you by noting, in your email, the URL of the InspectApedia page where you wanted to comment.
Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
- Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
- In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggestedCONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.
- Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: [email protected]. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes and to use illustrations from The ILLUSTRATED HOME . Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.
ADVERTISEMENT
 | HOME | ABOUT | ASK a QUESTION | CONTACT | CONTENT USE POLICY | DESCRIPTION | POLICIES | PRINT | PRIVACY |
| © 2025 - 1985 Publisher InspectApedia.com - Daniel Friedman |