Flicker is back with a vengeance, warns report

Around half of domestic and office LEDs have been found to have higher flicker rates than alternative sources, a report by the Society of Light and Lighting has revealed.

These sources imperceptibly or noticeably flicker more than alternative technologies. The SLL says this needs to be taken into account by designers, who should choose LEDs with lower flicker rates, or avoid using them in public places where they may contribute to adverse health symptoms in a very small number of those regularly exposed. However, buying expensive LED brands may not solve the problem: the researchers found that cost was shown to have no significant impact on flicker.

Those in procurement need to be very careful to include low flicker requirements in their specifications, and all specifiers need to be aware that if LED products are substituted by contractors or suppliers then flicker needs to be considered.