Key takeaways
- One flickering fixture is usually a bulb, a dimmer mismatch or a loose fixture connection.
- Flicker in several rooms, or when large appliances start, points to a circuit or service problem.
- Loose connections create heat. Flicker with buzzing, warm switches or burning smells needs attention now.
Flickering lights are easy to ignore, but they are one of the clearest signs something in your electrical system needs attention. Sometimes the fix is a new bulb. Sometimes it is a loose connection that is heating up behind a wall. Here is how to tell the difference.
If only one light flickers
- The bulb. Check that it is screwed in firmly, then try a new one.
- LED and dimmer mismatch. Many LED bulbs flicker on older dimmers built for incandescent bulbs. Use dimmable LEDs and a dimmer rated for LED loads.
- A loose fixture or switch connection. If a new bulb does not fix it, the connection at the fixture or switch may be loose. That needs an electrician.
If lights flicker when appliances turn on
A brief dim when a furnace, air conditioner or dryer starts can be normal, because motors draw a burst of current. If the dimming is strong, lasts more than a moment or is getting worse, the circuit may be overloaded or the connections in your panel or service may be loose. It can also mean your service is undersized for your home.
If lights flicker in several rooms
Flicker across the house points to a problem upstream of individual circuits, such as a loose neutral, a worn connection at the meter or panel, or an issue on the utility side. A loose neutral can cause voltage swings that damage electronics, so this is worth a prompt call.
Warning signs that need a licensed electrician
- Flicker together with buzzing or crackling from switches, outlets or the panel
- Switch plates or outlets that feel warm
- Burning smells or scorch marks
- Breakers that trip often (see why breakers keep tripping)
- Older wiring, such as knob and tube or aluminum wiring
If you smell burning or see smoke, leave the building and call 911.
How we track it down
We start with the simplest explanation and work back toward the panel, testing connections, voltage and load on the affected circuits. Most flicker problems come down to a connection that needs to be remade properly or a circuit that needs to be split.
FM Electric diagnoses flickering lights across the Niagara Region. See our troubleshooting and repairs service or call (905) 931-4522.
Frequently asked questions
Are flickering lights dangerous?
A single flickering bulb usually is not. Flicker across several rooms, or with buzzing, heat or burning smells, can mean a loose connection that is heating up and should be checked by a licensed electrician.
Why do my LED lights flicker on a dimmer?
Most often the dimmer was designed for incandescent bulbs. Switching to an LED-rated dimmer and dimmable bulbs usually solves it.
