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What Causes Lights to Flicker?

Flickering lights can be more than just a nuisance. They can often be a sign of underlying electrical issues in the home that may need attention.

So, understanding the causes of flickering lights is not just essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment but also for keeping you and your family safe.

That’s why the lighting experts at The Lighting Superstore have put together this guide – exploring the common reasons behind flickering lights, from blown bulbs to more complex electrical faults.

And we’ve even included our top tips for fixing flickering lights – or when to call a qualified electrician!

row of illuminated bulbs

Light Flickering in One Room

There are several reasons as to why an individual light may be flickering in one room. Some common causes include:

Loose Light Bulbs: A loose light bulb can cause flickering, as it may not make proper contact with the socket. Turn off the light, wait until it cools, then gently tighten the bulb to see if this resolves the issue.
Incompatible Bulbs: Using the wrong type of bulb for a fixture can lead to flickering. Check your bulb matches the fixture's specifications, particularly if you’re using LED bulbs in older fixtures. To learn more about light bulb types you can read our guide here.
Voltage Fluctuations: Variations in your home's voltage can cause lights to flicker. This might be due to heavy appliances turning on or off. If this is frequent, it could indicate a more significant electrical issue.
Faulty Dimmer Switch: If your lights flicker when using a dimmer switch, it may suggest the dimmer is not compatible with the bulb type. Consider replacing the dimmer with one designed for use with LEDs or the specific bulb you have.
Wiring Issues: Loose or damaged wiring within the light fixture or electrical circuit can lead to flickering. If you suspect this is the case, it’s best to consult a qualified electrician to inspect the wiring.
Overloaded Circuit: If too many devices are connected to a single circuit, it can cause flickering lights. Try redistributing devices across different circuits to alleviate the load.

Multiple Lights Flickering In The House

If more than one light is flickering in your home, it may be nothing more than a couple of replacement bulbs needed – or it could be a sign of a deeper problem with your home’s electrics.

These are the key signs to watch out for, and potential causes for multiple flickering lights:

What Does It Mean If Multiple Lights Are Flickering?

If multiple lights in your house are flickering, it's important to take the situation seriously, as there could be underlying safety concerns, including:

Electrical Overload: Flickering lights may indicate that your circuit is overloaded, especially if you have many devices running on the same circuit. This can lead to overheating and potentially even a fire hazard. It’s vital to make sure circuits are not overloaded.
Wiring Issues: Loose or damaged wiring can cause flickering and pose a significant safety risk. Frayed wires or faulty connections can lead to electrical shorts, which could spark a fire. If you suspect wiring issues, it’s best to consult a qualified electrician.
Voltage Fluctuations: Frequent flickering may be a sign of voltage fluctuations in your home. This can occur when large appliances are turned on or off, affecting the performance of your lighting. Persistent voltage issues can damage appliances and lighting fixtures.
Faulty Circuit Breaker: A malfunctioning circuit breaker can result in flickering lights. If the breaker isn’t handling the load sufficiently, it may trip frequently, leading to an inconsistent power supply. This can also be a fire hazard.
Incompatibility of Fixtures and Bulbs: Using incompatible bulbs or fixtures, particularly with dimmers, can lead to flickering. While this may not pose an immediate danger, it can result in lighting problems and reduced bulb lifespan.
Age of Electrical System: If your home has an older electrical system, it may not be equipped to handle modern electrical loads. This can lead to various issues, including flickering lights, and should be assessed by a professional.

Common Causes of Flickering Lights

If you’re experiencing flickering lights in your home, it’s important to identify the common causes and understand how to check and potentially fix them.

Some reasons for flickering lights may include:

Electrical Overload

Identify if multiple lights flicker when heavy appliances (like refrigerators or washing machines) are used.
Fix: Reduce the number of devices connected to the same circuit. Consider redistributing appliances across different circuits.

Loose Wiring

Inspect light fixtures and switches for any loose connections. Look for any exposed wires or signs of wear.
Fix: If possible, turn off the power and tighten any loose connections. If you find damaged wiring, call a qualified electrician to replace it.

Faulty Circuit Breaker

Check your circuit breaker panel. If it’s tripping frequently, this could indicate a problem.
Fix: Reset the breaker. If it continues to trip, it might need replacing. Consult an electrician.

Voltage Fluctuations

Does flickering occur when large appliances turn on or off? You may need a voltmeter to measure the voltage in your outlets.
Fix: If voltage fluctuations are significant, consult an electrician to assess your electrical system and possibly upgrade it.

Incompatible Bulbs or Fixtures

Make sure the bulbs you’re using are compatible with your fixtures, especially if you have dimmer switches installed.
Fix: Replace incompatible bulbs with products that match the fixture’s specifications. Use LED-compatible dimmers or downlights if necessary.

Old Wiring or Electrical Systems

If your home is older, the wiring might not be suitable for modern electrical loads. Look for signs of outdated wiring, like cloth insulation or ungrounded outlets.
Fix: Have a qualified electrician evaluate your system. Upgrading may be necessary for safety and efficiency.

Smart Lights Flickering

If your smart lights are flickering, it may indicate some underlying issues, that may be different from traditional lighting products. Here are some common causes to consider:

iphone to control smart lights

Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

Smart lights rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection. If the signal is weak or intermittent, it can cause flickering.
Make sure your smart lights are within range of your Wi-Fi router. You can test your Wi-Fi strength with other devices in the same area.

Software or Firmware Issues

Outdated software on your smart lights, or the controlling app, can lead to performance problems, including flickering.
Open the app used to control your smart lights and check for any available updates for the bulbs or the app itself.

Electrical Wiring Problems

Issues with your home’s electrical wiring can affect smart bulbs, leading to flickering.
Inspect the light fixture for any loose connections or damaged wiring. If you're not comfortable doing this, contact a qualified electrician.

Power Supply Fluctuations

An inconsistent power supply can cause smart lights to flicker. This is often seen when high-demand appliances are in use.
Notice if the flickering coincides with the use of heavy-duty appliances. You may want to consider using a voltage stabiliser.

Overheating

If smart bulbs are installed in enclosed fixtures, or are used inappropriately, they can overheat, leading to flickering.
Make sure your bulbs are compatible with your current fixtures and that they have adequate ventilation.

Dimmers with Flickering Lights

If your dimmer switch lights are flickering, it can be tricky to pinpoint exactly what has gone wrong. Below are some common issues that might be causing flickering on dimmer bulbs:

Faulty Dimmer Switch

Over time, dimmer switches can wear out or become defective, leading to flickering lights.
If the dimmer feels warm to the touch, or is emitting a buzzing sound, it may need to be replaced. Consult a professional for installation, if you’re unsure.

Dirty or Worn Contacts

Dust and grime on the dimmer switch contacts can interfere with operation, leading to flickering.
Carefully clean the switch or consider replacing it, if it’s old or dirty.

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Useful Lighting Resources from The Lighting Superstore

Still have questions about your home lighting? Or maybe you’re just after more top tips from our lighting experts.

Check out our other guides to light bulbs and fixtures below, or chat with our friendly team for more support:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are flickering lights a fire hazard?

A: Flickering lights can sometimes be a fire hazard. They may indicate loose wiring, faulty fixtures or overloaded circuits – all of which can lead to overheating and potentially even electrical fires. If you notice persistent flickering, consult a qualified electrician.

Q: Do flickering lights mean a power surge?

A: Flickering lights can indicate a power surge, especially when they flicker during the use of heavy appliances. A surge causes a sudden increase in voltage, leading to brief light flickering. However, other issues like loose connections or faulty fixtures may also cause flickering, so it's essential to investigate further.

Q: Do flickering lights indicate an electrical problem?

A: Flickering lights can often indicate an electrical problem. Common causes include loose wiring, faulty fixtures, incompatible bulbs or overloaded circuits. While occasional flickering can occur without concern, persistent issues should be addressed promptly, as they may pose safety hazards and require the attention of a qualified electrician.

Q: Does a flickering light bulb mean it’s dying?

A: A flickering light bulb can indicate that it's dying, especially if it’s an incandescent bulb. As bulbs age, their filaments may become unstable, causing flickering. However, flickering can also result from loose connections or incompatible fixtures, so it's important to check these factors before replacing the bulb.