How can the LED flicker be fixed?

Because we need to know which parts of the lighting system need to be improved or replaced, we emphasized how crucial it is to identify the source of the flicker (is it AC power or PWM?).

If the LED STRIP is the cause of the flicker, you will need to swap it out for a new one that is made to smooth out AC power and transform it into a genuinely stable DC current, which is then utilized to drive the LEDs. Look for “flicker free” certifications and flicker measurements when choosing an LED strip in particular:

The proportional difference between the maximum and minimum brightness levels (amplitude) inside a flicker cycle is expressed as a percentage score called “flicker percent.” Typically, an incandescent bulb flickers between 10% and 20%. (because its filament retains some of its heat during the “valleys” in an AC signal).

Flicker Index is a metric that quantifies the amount and duration of time that an LED generates more light than usual during a flicker cycle. The flicker index of an incandescent bulb is 0.04.

The rate at which a flicker cycle repeats itself per second is known as flicker frequency and is expressed in hertz (Hz). Due to the frequency of the incoming AC signal, the majority of LED lights will operate at 100-120 Hz. Similar flicker and flicker index levels would have less of an impact on bulbs with higher frequencies because of their quicker switching periods.

At 100–120 Hz, the majority of LED bulbs flicker. IEEE 1789 recommends 8% safe (“low risk”) flicker at this frequency, and 3% to totally eradicate flicker’s effects.

You will also need to replace the PWM dimmer unit if the PWM dimmer or controller is the flicker’s cause. The good news is that since the LED strips or other components are unlikely to be the source of the flicker, only the PWM dimmer or controller will need to be replaced.

When looking for a flicker-free PWM solution, make sure that there is an explicit frequency rating because that is the only useful PWM flicker metric (because it is usually always a signal with 100% flicker). We suggest a PWM frequency of 25 kHz (25,000 Hz) or higher for a PWM solution that is really flicker-free.

In fact, standards like IEEE 1789 show that PWM light sources with a frequency of 3000 Hz are a high enough frequency to fully reduce the impacts of flicker. However, one benefit of raising the frequency above 20 kHz is that it does away with the potential for power supply devices to create noticeable buzzing or whining sounds. The reason for this is that the maximum audible frequency for most people is 20,000 Hz, so by specifying something at 25,000 Hz, for example, you can avoid the possibility of annoying buzzing or whining sounds, which can be problematic if you are particularly sensitive or if your application is very sound-sensitive.