F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Person causes computer lighting to flicker while UPS is active

Person causes computer lighting to flicker while UPS is active

Person causes computer lighting to flicker while UPS is active

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louie018
Posting Freak
824
09-27-2018, 10:21 PM
#1
I recently purchased a UPS from this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6FXMM. I faced issues with my PC lights flickering whenever I switched the fan on and off in my room. After researching, I realized it might be due to a brownout caused by the fan’s high startup current. Initially, I thought the UPS would safeguard my PC, but even with it connected to the battery side, flickering persisted. I ignored it at first, assuming protection would take care of everything.

Recently, my monitor stopped working after I turned the fan on and off, which was unexpected. Fortunately, it was still under warranty, so I had it repaired. Now I’m trying to figure out the cause before causing further damage.

I always switch off my PC and monitor completely whenever I change the fan position, which is becoming increasingly inconvenient. Additional details:

- PC model: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LKDCNz
- Location: United States (American power standards)
- Power panel: All on one circuit
- Fan and UPS: Separate outlets, fan not directly connected to UPS
- PC connection: Battery side confirmed
- UPS settings: Maximum sensitivity
- Flickering occurs occasionally, sometimes more than half the time
- UPS powers down smoothly when unplugged
- Outlets tested correctly with a tester
- Living in an apartment, no structural issues possible
- Fan size: Small to medium
- Possible causes: EMI or frequency interference

I’m hoping someone can offer insights or solutions. Please let me know if you need more information.
L
louie018
09-27-2018, 10:21 PM #1

I recently purchased a UPS from this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6FXMM. I faced issues with my PC lights flickering whenever I switched the fan on and off in my room. After researching, I realized it might be due to a brownout caused by the fan’s high startup current. Initially, I thought the UPS would safeguard my PC, but even with it connected to the battery side, flickering persisted. I ignored it at first, assuming protection would take care of everything.

Recently, my monitor stopped working after I turned the fan on and off, which was unexpected. Fortunately, it was still under warranty, so I had it repaired. Now I’m trying to figure out the cause before causing further damage.

I always switch off my PC and monitor completely whenever I change the fan position, which is becoming increasingly inconvenient. Additional details:

- PC model: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LKDCNz
- Location: United States (American power standards)
- Power panel: All on one circuit
- Fan and UPS: Separate outlets, fan not directly connected to UPS
- PC connection: Battery side confirmed
- UPS settings: Maximum sensitivity
- Flickering occurs occasionally, sometimes more than half the time
- UPS powers down smoothly when unplugged
- Outlets tested correctly with a tester
- Living in an apartment, no structural issues possible
- Fan size: Small to medium
- Possible causes: EMI or frequency interference

I’m hoping someone can offer insights or solutions. Please let me know if you need more information.

I
imTri
Posting Freak
786
09-28-2018, 02:06 AM
#2
I’d likely attempt a different fan Edited November 15, 2025 by leclod
I
imTri
09-28-2018, 02:06 AM #2

I’d likely attempt a different fan Edited November 15, 2025 by leclod

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PushPlay112
Junior Member
42
09-29-2018, 10:43 AM
#3
we face several issues at work that cause lights to flicker when turned on. a household fan shouldn't behave this way unless you have an industrial extraction fan nearby. additionally, pc lights inside the case are probably due to electromagnetic interference because it's nearly impossible for mains fluctuations to affect just the RGB. alternatively, the fan might be interfering with your power lines or acting like a radio jammer when it starts.
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PushPlay112
09-29-2018, 10:43 AM #3

we face several issues at work that cause lights to flicker when turned on. a household fan shouldn't behave this way unless you have an industrial extraction fan nearby. additionally, pc lights inside the case are probably due to electromagnetic interference because it's nearly impossible for mains fluctuations to affect just the RGB. alternatively, the fan might be interfering with your power lines or acting like a radio jammer when it starts.

R
Reign_OF_Pain
Member
165
10-20-2018, 02:53 PM
#4
It seems like you're suggesting replacing the fan with a new one. Would you like more details on that?
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Reign_OF_Pain
10-20-2018, 02:53 PM #4

It seems like you're suggesting replacing the fan with a new one. Would you like more details on that?

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MasterHD7
Senior Member
340
10-24-2018, 11:16 AM
#5
Yeah, unless something else is wrong with your electricity or PC, but you'll figure that out soon I guess?!
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MasterHD7
10-24-2018, 11:16 AM #5

Yeah, unless something else is wrong with your electricity or PC, but you'll figure that out soon I guess?!

A
Aero_Reflex
Junior Member
43
10-27-2018, 07:17 AM
#6
I mean I hope someone new fixes it, but I don't think that's really possible... Heh, I'm from Germany and 20 years ago I had a problem here because I used a PlayStation and a radiator for heat. It was too much for the old wiring in my room, so they replaced the line. I think the new one they installed to my room is suitable for up to 1600 watts.
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Aero_Reflex
10-27-2018, 07:17 AM #6

I mean I hope someone new fixes it, but I don't think that's really possible... Heh, I'm from Germany and 20 years ago I had a problem here because I used a PlayStation and a radiator for heat. It was too much for the old wiring in my room, so they replaced the line. I think the new one they installed to my room is suitable for up to 1600 watts.

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Ariadne111
Member
137
11-01-2018, 11:39 PM
#7
Try disconnecting the UPS from the wall and running your computer on battery power only, then turn on your fan. If the lights continue to flicker, the issue is likely interference, not a power problem. A UPS watches AC voltage and switches to battery if needed. The fan might not be strong enough to change the voltage, or it could generate noise that still causes disruptions. Good luck!
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Ariadne111
11-01-2018, 11:39 PM #7

Try disconnecting the UPS from the wall and running your computer on battery power only, then turn on your fan. If the lights continue to flicker, the issue is likely interference, not a power problem. A UPS watches AC voltage and switches to battery if needed. The fan might not be strong enough to change the voltage, or it could generate noise that still causes disruptions. Good luck!