tasavirtavälkkymistä

Tasavirtavälkkyminen, known in English as flicker, refers to the rapid and perceptible fluctuation of luminous intensity from a light source. This phenomenon can occur with both older technologies like incandescent bulbs and some modern lighting solutions. The frequency of these fluctuations determines whether the flicker is noticeable to the human eye and can cause varying degrees of discomfort.

The primary cause of flicker in many artificial light sources is the alternating current (AC) power supply. As the current oscillates, the light output can momentarily dip as the voltage passes through zero. While the human eye typically perceives flicker above a certain frequency threshold, even imperceptible flicker can have physiological effects, potentially leading to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, especially for individuals sensitive to such stimuli.

Different types of lighting exhibit flicker to varying degrees. Incandescent bulbs, due to their heated filament, tend to have less noticeable flicker than some fluorescent lamps, particularly those with magnetic ballasts. Electronic ballasts and modern LED drivers are designed to mitigate flicker by operating at much higher frequencies, often well above the threshold of human perception. However, poorly designed or malfunctioning LED drivers can still produce problematic flicker.

Mitigating flicker is important for visual comfort and well-being. Standards and regulations exist in many regions to limit perceptible flicker from lighting products. Users experiencing discomfort from flicker may benefit from selecting lighting with higher quality drivers or considering alternative light sources known for their flicker-free operation.