Flickering lights can be a minor annoyance or a sign of a serious electrical issue. While a loose bulb or an incompatible dimmer switch can be easy fixes, persistent flickering could indicate problems with your home’s electrical system that may pose a fire hazard.
Understanding the causes of flickering lights and how to fix them is essential for home safety.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons for flickering lights, when to worry, and when to call in a professional electrician.
Are lights flickering in the house a fire hazard?
In some cases, yes. While occasional flickering is usually harmless, persistent flickering could point to a loose electrical connection, faulty wiring, or an overloaded circuit - any of which can cause house fires.
Loose wiring is one of the leading causes of electrical fires, as it can lead to arcing. This occurs when electricity jumps between loose connections, generating extreme heat that can ignite nearby materials.
If your lights flicker frequently or unpredictably, it’s best to get your home’s electrical system checked by a certified electrician.
8 reasons for lights flickering in your house and fixes
Flickering lights can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from simple DIY fixes to serious electrical faults that require professional repairs.
1. Loose light bulbs
If a single light is flickering, the bulb may not be screwed in properly. Loose bulbs receive an inconsistent power supply, causing them to flicker.
How to fix loose connections
- Turn off the light and wait for the bulb to cool.
- Gently tighten the bulb in its socket.
- If the problem persists, replace the bulb with a new one.
2. Type of light bulb
Some light bulbs are more prone to flickering than others. Incandescent bulbs tend to flicker if the filament is damaged, while fluorescent bulbs may flicker as they warm up.
Halogen bulbs can also be sensitive to voltage fluctuations, which may cause them to flicker unexpectedly.
LED bulbs can also flicker when used with an incompatible dimmer switch.
How to fix the problem
- If using dimmable LED bulbs, ensure your physical dimmer switch is LED-compatible
- Replace old or faulty bulbs with high-quality LED bulbs for better performance.
3. Loose plug connection
If your lamp or plug-in light fixture is flickering, the issue could be a loose plug.
How to fix a loose plug connection
- Unplug the lamp and inspect the prongs.
- If the prongs are bent, straighten them gently with pliers.
- Plug the light back in securely.
4. Overloaded circuit
If you have multiple lights flickering when you switch on a large appliance, your home’s electrical system might be overloaded.
High-wattage appliances, such as air conditioners, washing machines, and ovens, can draw a considerable load, causing flickering.
How to fix an overloaded circuit
- Try plugging appliances into different circuits to distribute the load.
- If flickering persists, consult an electrician about upgrading your electrical panel or installing dedicated circuits for high-energy appliances.
5. Utility service
If flickering happens throughout your whole house, especially at random times, the issue could be outside your home.
Power fluctuations from your electric company or issues with your neighbour’s electrical load could be the cause.
What to do
- Ask your neighbours if they are experiencing the same flickering issues.
- If they are, contact your utility service provider to report the problem.
6. Voltage fluctuating
Your home should maintain a voltage between 115V and 125V. If the voltage is too high or fluctuates frequently, it can cause lights to flicker and may damage electrical appliances.
Signs of voltage issues include:
- Lights dim or flicker when appliances turn on.
- Bulbs burn out quickly.
- Electronics malfunction.
How to fix it
- Test your home’s voltage with a voltmeter.
- If it reads over 125V, contact an electrician immediately to prevent serious consequences like electrical fires.
7. Old or loose wiring
Loose wiring is a major fire hazard. As wires degrade or connections become loose, they can cause arcing, where the electrical current jumps between gaps, creating excessive heat.
How to prevent loose wiring hazards
Have a professional electrician inspect the following:
- Breaker box connectors for wear and tear.
- Loose service conductors in the main electrical panel.
- Wiring in light fixtures and switches.
8. Main connection issue
If multiple lights flicker across different circuits, the problem could be with your main electrical connection. This could mean damaged cables or loose service conductors, which require immediate attention.
What to do
If your flickering lights seem widespread and inconsistent, call an electrician to inspect your home’s electrical panel and wiring.
When to call in a JustFix professional electrician
While some flickering light issues have simple fixes, others require professional electrical work to ensure safety.
JustFix connects you with certified electricians who can diagnose and fix serious electrical problems like outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, and faulty electrical panels.
Whether you need wiring repairs, circuit breaker upgrades, or an expert opinion, JustFix professionals can ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and efficient.
Need more help around the house? Check out our blogs on topics like how to get a broken key out of a lock, what to do if you have heating but no hot water, and more.
