Flickering lights can be more than just a minor annoyance—they might indicate a deeper electrical issue that needs attention. At Mayne’s Power, we’re committed to ensuring your electrical system runs safely and smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of flickering lights and what you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

1. Check the Light Bulb

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one! A loose or faulty light bulb can cause flickering. If you’re dealing with a flickering light:

• Ensure the bulb is screwed in tightly. Turn off the light and carefully tighten the bulb.
• Replace the bulb. If tightening doesn’t work, the bulb may be faulty or nearing the end of its life. Try replacing it to see if the flicker stops.

For LED or fluorescent lights, flickering can sometimes occur due to the type of bulb itself. LEDs may flicker due to incompatible dimmer switches, while fluorescent lights can flicker when warming up.

2. Inspect the Light Switch

If your lightbulb isn’t the issue, the next step is to check the light switch:

• Flick the switch on and off. If the light flickers only when the switch is moved, the switch may be worn out or have loose wiring.
• Listen for buzzing sounds. If your switch buzzes or feels warm, it could be a sign of faulty wiring.

Faulty switches can be dangerous and should be replaced immediately by a licensed electrician.

3. Check for Circuit Overload

Flickering lights can sometimes be caused by too many electrical devices drawing power from the same circuit. For example, if your lights flicker when you turn on a high-power appliance like a vacuum or microwave, it’s likely due to an overloaded circuit.

To troubleshoot this:

• Unplug some appliances or move them to a different circuit and see if the flickering stops.
• Monitor when the flicker occurs to identify if it happens during high electrical demand periods.

If circuit overload is the issue, you may need to redistribute the electrical load or upgrade your electrical system.

4. Investigate Loose Wiring

Loose or damaged wiring is one of the most serious causes of flickering lights. This can occur anywhere in the electrical system—from the fixture itself to the wiring in your walls or the switchboard.

• Check the fixture wiring. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can turn off the power and inspect the fixture’s connections to see if any are loose or damaged.
• Call a licensed electrician. If the flickering persists, loose wiring elsewhere in the home could be the culprit. This is not something you should attempt to fix yourself.

Loose wiring is a fire hazard and should be addressed as soon as possible.

5. Test the Voltage

If the lights throughout your home are flickering, the issue could be related to your electrical supply. Voltage fluctuations or drops can cause lights to flicker, especially during periods of high demand.

• Measure the voltage using a voltmeter. A normal reading should be between 115 and 125 volts. If the reading is outside this range, it could indicate a problem with your electrical supply.
• Contact your energy provider to report any significant voltage issues.

Inconsistent voltage can damage your appliances and should be corrected by a professional.

6. Consider Dimming Issues with LEDs

LED lights are energy-efficient, but they can sometimes flicker if paired with the wrong type of dimmer switch. If your LED lights flicker when dimmed:

• Check compatibility. Ensure the dimmer switch is designed for LED bulbs.
• Upgrade to a compatible dimmer. If the flicker continues, you may need to replace your dimmer with one that works correctly with LEDs.

When to Call an Electrician

While some flickering issues are easy to fix, others require professional help. If you experience any of the following, it’s time to contact a licensed electrician:

• Flickering across multiple rooms or throughout the house.
• Lights that flicker after you’ve already replaced bulbs or switches.
• Buzzing sounds, warmth, or sparks coming from outlets or switches.
• Frequent circuit breaker trips.

At Mayne’s Power, we’re here to help with all your electrical needs—from troubleshooting flickering lights to ensuring your home is safe and up to code. If you’re experiencing electrical issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team.

 

Flickering lights can be a sign of a wide range of issues, from simple fixes like replacing a bulb to more serious problems like loose wiring or voltage fluctuations. Addressing flickering lights early can help prevent bigger electrical problems down the line. When in doubt, always consult a licensed electrician to ensure your home’s safety.