Space heaters can cause a TV to flicker due to voltage fluctuations in the electrical circuit. When a space heater is turned on, it can draw a significant amount of power, leading to a voltage drop that can affect the performance of other devices connected to the same circuit, including TVs and lights.
Technical Specifications
When a space heater is turned on, it can draw up to 1500 watts of power from the electrical circuit. This sudden surge in power demand can cause a voltage drop, typically ranging from 5% to 20% of the nominal voltage. For example, if the nominal voltage in your home is 120V, a 1500W space heater can cause the voltage to drop to as low as 96V (20% drop) or 114V (5% drop).
This voltage fluctuation can have a direct impact on the performance of other devices connected to the same circuit. TVs, in particular, are sensitive to voltage changes and may respond by flickering or experiencing other visual disturbances.
The severity of the TV flickering can depend on several factors:
- Space Heater Power Consumption: The higher the power consumption of the space heater, the more significant the voltage drop and the more pronounced the TV flickering.
- Circuit Capacity: If the electrical circuit powering the space heater and the TV is not adequately sized, the voltage drop will be more pronounced, leading to more severe TV flickering.
- Wire Gauge: The thickness of the wires in the electrical circuit can also play a role. Thinner wires are more susceptible to voltage drops, which can exacerbate the TV flickering issue.
- Distance from the Power Source: The further the TV is from the power source (the electrical panel), the more pronounced the voltage drop and the more likely the TV will experience flickering.
DIY Solutions
To prevent a space heater from causing a TV to flicker, consider the following DIY solutions:
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Dedicated Circuit for the Space Heater: Install a dedicated electrical circuit specifically for the space heater. This will ensure that the space heater does not draw power from the same circuit as the TV, preventing voltage fluctuations.
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Check and Tighten Wiring Connections: Inspect the wiring connections in the electrical panel and at the outlets where the space heater and TV are plugged in. Ensure that all connections are tight and free of corrosion, which can contribute to voltage drops.
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Upgrade Circuit Capacity: If the electrical circuit powering the space heater and TV is not adequately sized, consider upgrading the circuit capacity by installing a larger circuit breaker or fuse. This will help to accommodate the power demand of the space heater without causing significant voltage drops.
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Ensure Proper Wire Sizing: Verify that the wiring in the circuit is sized appropriately for the power load. Undersized wires can contribute to voltage drops and exacerbate the TV flickering issue.
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Spread Out the Power Load: If possible, try to distribute the power load across multiple circuits by plugging the space heater and TV into different circuits. This can help to reduce the overall voltage fluctuations on any single circuit.
By implementing these DIY solutions, you can help to mitigate the impact of a space heater on your TV’s performance and prevent the annoying flickering effect.
References
- Reddit – New Space Heater Causes LED Lights to Flicker
- RedFlagDeals – Space Heater Question – Dims Lights and Flickers
- GAC Services – Why Do My Lights Flicker When My HVAC System Turns On?
- Storables – Lights Flicker When Space Heater Turns On
- DIY Stack Exchange – Why would my TV image turn black when electrical appliances turn on?