6 Potential Causes of Flickering Lights
Before calling an electrician, try troubleshooting these potential causes of flickering lights.
Before attempting to service any portion of the electrical circuit, including switches, fixtures, wires, and the breaker, always turn the power off at the breaker box and use an electrical tester to confirm that the circuit is turned off.
1. Bulb Issues
One of the most common causes of flickering lights is an issue with the bulb. Fortunately, bulb issues are also one of the easiest problems to fix.
Solution: If you suspect the light bulb is burning out, test it by replacing the bulb. If the new bulb doesn’t flicker, you’ve likely solved the problem.
2. Switch Issues
Light switches see a lot of use. While premium switches may last a lifetime, budget light switches are likely to fail over time. In this case, you might notice the lights flicker when you touch the switch.
Solution: If you suspect the light switch is causing the flickering, replacing the switch should solve the problem. Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker, remove the switch plate, and uninstall the light switch. Wire and install the new light switch exactly like the old one, reinstall the switch plate, and restore the power.
3. Fixture Issues
Less commonly, the light fixture itself may be to blame. If there are loose connections or corrosion in the fixture, the lights may flicker.
Solution: You can attempt to repair the fixture by fixing the connections or removing corrosion, especially if it’s a premium fixture. However, replacing cheaper light fixtures may be more beneficial.
4. Incompatible Bulb or Dimmer Switch
Some types of bulbs and dimmer switches are incompatible. If you install a light bulb that isn’t compatible with the light switch, it may flicker.
Solution: To ensure your light bulb is compatible with your switch, check the bulb’s specifications before purchasing a replacement.
If you’re having trouble finding a light bulb that won’t flicker due to dimmer incompatibility, you can try a traditional incandescent light bulb. However, they may be difficult to find in some areas due to energy-use restrictions. Even LED light bulbs that specify dimmer compatibility can sometimes flicker when used with a dimmer switch.
5. Wiring Issues
Sometimes, the fixture, bulb, and switch may all be working properly, but the wiring is causing the flickering. The wires could be worn or damaged, but loose wires are more likely to cause an intermittent connection that results in flickering.
Solution: With the power turned off, inspect the wiring and all relevant connections, including those at the switch, circuit breaker, and light fixture.
6. Electrical Load Issues
If you notice the lights flickering whenever other appliances turn on, such as a vacuum, dishwasher, blow dryer, or other power-hungry devices, you may be running them on the same circuit as the lights, causing an excessive electrical load.
When these devices turn on, they draw a large amount of power, which can cause the current running to the lights to drop and result in flickering.
Solution: If the circuit is overloaded, move the high-power appliance to a different circuit. For something like a blow dryer or vacuum, unplug it and plug it into a different outlet. Install a dedicated circuit for large, permanently installed appliances, such as dishwashers.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional Electrician
If none of these solutions resolve your flickering lights, or if the lights are accompanied by buzzing sounds, burning smells, heat around the fixture or outlets, or frequently tripping breakers, contact a professional electrician immediately.
You should also consider professional help if multiple lights in your house are flickering and the issue isn’t isolated to a single fixture or circuit. If you haven’t already, a professional will likely instruct you to cut the power at the breaker until the problem can be remedied.
