10 Causes of Flickering Lights and What to Do About Them
Flickering lights in your home can be more than just a minor annoyance—they can be a sign of underlying electrical issues. While some causes are simple fixes, others may indicate serious problems that need professional attention. Here’s a simplified and more enjoyable look at the common causes of flickering lights, and how to determine if you should fix it yourself or call an electrician.
1. Loose bulb
One of the most common and easily fixable causes of flickering lights is a loose bulb. If a bulb isn’t screwed in tightly, it may flicker due to intermittent contact.
Fix: Turn off the light, tighten the bulb, and turn it back on. If the flickering stops, problem solved!
2. Bulb type
Some types of bulbs, like fluorescent bulbs, naturally flicker when starting up or when they’re nearing the end of their lifespan. LED lights can also flicker if they’re not compatible with dimmer switches.
Fix: Switch to bulbs that are designed for your fixtures, and make sure dimmer switches are LED-compatible.
3. Loose plug
If a lamp or light fixture is plugged in loosely, it can cause flickering due to a poor connection.
Fix: Unplug the lamp, check if the prongs are bent, straighten them, and plug it back in securely.
4. Dimmer switch compatibility
If you’re using dimmer switches, they may not be compatible with your bulbs, particularly LEDs. This can cause inconsistent lighting or flickering.
Fix: Make sure to use dimmers that are specifically designed for LED bulbs, or switch to smart bulbs that work seamlessly with your dimmer setup.
5. Overloaded circuit
If your lights flicker when using multiple appliances at once, you could be dealing with an overloaded circuit. This happens when too many devices are connected to one circuit, causing electrical strain.
Fix: Overloaded circuits require professional help. Contact an electrician to assess and upgrade your electrical panel if necessary.
6. Utility service issues
Sometimes, flickering lights aren’t caused by anything inside your home, but by issues with your utility provider. Heavy usage from neighbors or shared transformers can lead to voltage fluctuations.
Fix: Contact your utility company and an electrician to investigate and resolve the problem.
7. Voltage fluctuations
Large appliances, such as air conditioners or refrigerators, can cause flickering lights due to voltage fluctuations. If the voltage in your home is not stable, this can lead to inconsistent lighting.
Fix: Use a voltmeter to check your home’s voltage, or contact an electrician to inspect for fluctuations.
8. Old or loose wiring
If your home has old or deteriorating wiring, this could lead to flickering lights. Loose wires can also cause sparking or overheating, which are serious fire hazards.
Fix: Don’t attempt DIY fixes for old or loose wiring—this is a job for a professional electrician. Outdated wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires.
9. Arcing
Arcing occurs when electricity jumps over gaps in a connection, creating sparks that can ignite a fire. This is often caused by damaged or loose wiring in fixtures or the electrical panel.
Fix: If you notice arcing or suspect loose wiring, call an electrician immediately. Regular checks can prevent this dangerous issue.
10. Main connection issues
If flickering lights are happening throughout your entire home, there could be an issue with the main electrical connection. This is a critical issue that needs immediate attention.
Fix: An electrician should inspect your main electrical connection to ensure everything is in order and prevent further problems.
When to call a professional?
While some flickering light issues can be fixed with simple adjustments, persistent flickering or widespread problems could indicate more serious electrical concerns. It’s essential to call a professional electrician if:
- You suspect overloaded circuits
- The flickering persists after DIY fixes
- You experience voltage fluctuations
- There are signs of arcing or sparking
Key risks of ignoring flickering lights:
- Electrical fires caused by old or loose wiring
- Damage to electrical appliances
- Risk of electric shock
Contact Us
Flickering lights are not something to ignore, as they can signal both minor and major electrical issues. For simple fixes, like tightening bulbs or changing incompatible switches, a DIY approach can work. However, for more complex problems like overloaded circuits or faulty wiring, it’s always best to call in a professional.
At Servilar, our expert electricians in Lisbon and Porto are available to inspect, troubleshoot, and fix any electrical concerns you may have. Don’t let flickering lights turn into a bigger issue—contact us today for a thorough inspection and safe, reliable repairs.
