Table of Contents
Normal Dimming
A brief, half-second dim when a large motor (AC, refrigerator, pool pump) starts is normal. Motor inrush current is 5–7x the running current, pulling voltage down momentarily until the motor spins up.
Abnormal Dimming
- Sustained dim for more than a second after startup
- Dim that doesn't recover until the appliance shuts off
- Dim triggered by small loads (a lamp, a toaster)
- Dim in one room only
- Dim followed by a flicker or a brightening on the other side of the house — the classic loose-neutral signature
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When to Call
Any of the abnormal patterns above warrant a diagnostic visit. A failing service neutral is dangerous and worth catching early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adding a soft-start help my AC?+
Yes. Soft-start capacitors reduce inrush current significantly and eliminate most compressor-startup dimming — helpful if your service is already at the edge.