Everything you need to know about light flicker

Light flicker: an often-discussed, but relatively unclear topic. Time to change that.

What is flicker?

In short, photometric flicker, further referred to here as ‘flicker’, is the (rapid) change of the light output of a lamp. It varies between a minimum and maximum value of light output. This difference is also called the peak-to-peak amplitude (fig.1). The bigger the difference, the higher the flicker. No difference means no flicker, as you can see in figure 1.

The frequency (fig. 1) at which the light output varies is also important. The frequency is expressed in Hertz. Hertz stands for the number of fluctuations in a second. When the frequency is increased, a (larger) change between minimum and maximum will be less visible. When it is high enough, even a flicker ratio of 100% may not be visible for human beings or poultry.

Fig. 1: Flicker-free vs flicker lighting

Percent flicker, flicker index and flicker fusion frequency

In general, there are two ways to quantify flicker. Figure 2 shows how to calculate both.

Percent flicker, the easiest one to calculate, just shows the percentage difference between the minimum and maximum value of light output.

The flicker index looks at both the area above the average light output and the area below the average light output. This gives a much better presentation of variations over the entire period and is more difficult to manipulate.

Fig. 2. Ways to quantify the flicker of light

Another interesting tool/unit is the flicker fusion frequency.

The flicker fusion frequency is the threshold frequency in Hertz (the amount of flicker per second) above which flicker can no longer be perceived. The flicker fusion frequency differs for human beings and poultry. When human beings perceive light as flicker-free, it may be perceived as far from flicker-free by chickens.

The amount of flicker that doesn’t affect poultry? The correct flicker fusion frequency?
There is no generally accepted norm for either of these. However, when there is literally no flicker at all, there is no discussion about the correct value needed. That’s why the majority of our lighting solutions are 100% flicker-free. The percent flicker of these products is 0.0% and the flicker index is 0.0!

The effects of flicker on chickens?

Chickens are very sensitive to light. Flicker therefore leads to stress. The cause of this goes back to the origins of poultry. Chickens originally lived in the jungle, where they were prey animals. They had to be continuously on their guard. It is presumed that a flickering lamp gives chickens the impression that a predator bird is hovering above them; this is naturally perceived as a potential threat. This continuous possible threat increases the birds’ stress levels. This stress has different consequences for each type of chicken, which eventually lead to decreasing animal welfare and performances.

Broilers
Flicker can be a major source of stress for broilers. This can lead to agitation and consequently induce piling. Piling leads to wet litter, which causes footpad lesions and breast blisters, with increased mortality as a result. Since not all chickens respond similarly to stress, a decrease in uniform growth will occur. It also negatively impacts on growth in general. Since stress can lead to a decrease in feed intake and a higher metabolic energy usage, it will eventually increase feed conversion rates as well.

Layers
Flicker can be a major source of stress for layers. Stress will have a great impact on the agitation levels of hens. Agitation can trigger pecking and possibly lead to cannibalism. Piling can occur as well. Both cannibalism and piling will eventually lead to increased mortality.

Stress caused by flicker will also negatively impact on feed intake and egg production. Result: increased feed conversion rates.

Parent stock
The effects of flicker on parent stock are comparable to those on layers.

HATO Lighting = 100% flicker-free lighting

Thanks to our more than 45 years of experience, combined with our highly trained staff and extensive knowledge, we have been able to perform in-depth research into flicker-free lighting. With success! The majority of our products are 100% flicker-free.

How? Chef’s recipe. Improving life through brightness!

Conclusion

Flicker stands for the rapid change in light output of a lamp. Besides the rapid change in light output, the frequency of this change is also important. The higher the frequency, the less visible flickering is. The frequency at which it can no longer be perceived is called the flicker fusion frequency.

There is no generally accepted norm for the right amount of flickering or the flicker fusion frequency. That’s why it is important to purchase lighting solutions with a flicker-index of 0.0. 100% Flicker-free lighting will positively influence animal welfare and performances.

For all your questions regarding agricultural lighting, please get in touch with us. We are more than happy to help you. We are the lighting specialists!