Why Lights Flicker and How to Stop It

You’ve probably seen it in thrillers, sci-fi, or horror movies. That common visual device where a character enters a dark room or hallway, and lights are flickering like crazy, just before something bad happens! Or maybe the heroine is alone in a normally sterile kitchen, deserted hotel lobby, or hospital, and the lights start to flicker as ominous music swells in the background. That’s when you start to think that things aren’t quite right.

In real life lights flicker for a lot of reasons, and none of those reasons involve the presence or a monster lurking in the shadows. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t cause for concern. While the occasional flicker probably doesn’t mean anything, persistent or severe flickering can indicate underlying electrical issues. Understanding the causes of flickering lights and how to address them is crucial to maintain the functionality of your electrical system and safety of your home.

• Loose Bulbs or Fixtures: This is the most common cause and easiest fix. Check if the flickering is due to loose light bulbs or fixtures. Make sure they are screwed in securely. If they are still flickering, replace the bulb.
• Old Light Switches: Nothing lasts forever. Old switches can also cause flickering lights. Regularly inspect your switches, and if you notice any signs of damage or wear, it’s probably time to replace them.
• LED/Dimmer Compatibility: Some LED bulbs don’t work with dimmers. That’s because dimmers work by rapidly interrupting the current flowing to the light. LED bulbs require less electricity. So, unless you have dimmable LED bulbs, if you’re using them with a dimmer they’re going to flicker.
• Circuit Overload: Are you running your microwave or washing machine or hair dryer?  Flickering lights can occur if too many appliances or devices are drawing power from a single circuit. This overloads the circuit and causes voltage fluctuations. 
• Old Wiring: This one is really scary. Outdated or damaged wiring is a very common cause of flickering lights. When wiring deteriorates, it can lead to loose connections or shorts in the circuit. Have a licensed and insured  electrician inspect and replace faulty wiring to ensure your electrical system’s safety.
• Bad Connections: Loose or corroded electrical connections can also cause your lights to flicker. These connections may be in your electrical panel or outlets. Do not try to fix this yourself. Call a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair these issues immediately.
• Electrical Panel Problems: Your circuit breaker box might be the source of your flickering lights, especially if it’s outdated. If you think this is the case, have a licensed and insured electrician assess your panel’s condition and replace it if needed.
• Fluctuating Voltage from the Electric Company: Here’s another reason not to love ConEd. Sometimes, the problem lies outside your home. Voltage fluctuations from your utility company can affect your lights. If an electrician determines that this is the issue, you should contact your utility company and request a voltage test.

While sometimes the solution to flickering lights can be simple, persistently flickering lights could be a symptom of something seriously wrong with your electrical system. That’s why it’s important to regularly call in an electrician to do a “health check” of your system.

Our team of residential electrical contractors and commercial electricians is here to ensure the safety and functionality of your electrical systems. We’re available for both routine inspections or emergency repairs 365 days a year. Fast, professional, fully trained and committed to customer service, our business has thrived in the highly competitive New York market for decades thanks not only to our expertise when handling large projects, but also our willingness to respond quickly when emergencies arise.