flickerlimieten

Flickerlimieten are regulatory thresholds that specify how much flicker is allowed in electrical lighting and related equipment. They are intended to protect consumers from perceivable flicker, which can cause discomfort, eyestrain, headaches, and in rare cases adverse health effects such as seizures in photosensitive individuals. Flicker can originate from fluctuating supply voltage, dimming control, or electronic drivers in LED luminaires, as well as from non‑uniform power electronics in buildings.

Flicker is quantified using standardized metrics. The most common in product and grid standards are short-term flicker severity (Pst) and long-term flicker severity (Plt), as well as measures such as modulation depth and flicker index. These metrics describe how strongly light output or supply voltage varies over time and across the period of the electrical cycle. Limits are defined for specific application contexts and frequency bands, typically requiring low Pst/Plt values to ensure perceptual invisibility of flicker to most observers. Standards such as IEC 61000-4-15 describe measurement methods for flicker in lighting equipment, and related grid standards specify acceptable levels of voltage fluctuations in public networks. Compliance testing is performed with dedicated flicker meters and simulators.

In practice, flicker limits influence the design of lighting products and building services. Manufacturers aim to minimize flicker through stable LED driver design, constant-current control, adequate energy storage, and smooth dimming algorithms. Utility companies and regulators use flicker limits to assess grid quality and to guide interventions when flicker levels exceed thresholds.