5 Common Causes of Flickering Lights and Their Solutions

2/12/2025

Flickering lights can happen due to loose bulbs, old dimmer switches, voltage changes, or overloaded circuits. Big appliances and bad wiring can also play a role. Finding the cause early can help prevent bigger electrical issues and safety hazards.

Loose or Faulty Light Bulbs

If you’re dealing with flickering lights, the problem might be a loose or poorly installed bulb.

When a bulb doesn’t sit firmly in the socket, it can lose connection and cause instability in brightness.

First, turn off the light and let the bulb cool.

Then, tighten it gently to make sure it’s secure.

If the issue doesn’t stop, try replacing the bulb.

This is especially important if you’re using an LED—some lower-quality ones flicker even when installed correctly.

Another possible issue is dirt or corrosion inside the socket, which can mess with the electrical connection.

Check for any debris or damage, and if you see buildup, clean it with a dry cloth or compressed air before putting the bulb back in.

If your fixture has multiple bulbs, check each one.

Just one loose bulb can cause uneven lighting, even if the others are fine.

Still experiencing flickering lights?

The problem could be faulty wiring or a worn-out socket.

At that point, it’s best to call Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC to check things out and fix any deeper electrical issues.

Old or Wrong Dimmer Switches

If you’re dealing with flickering lights, your dimmer switch might be the issue, especially if it wasn’t made for LED bulbs.

Older dimmer switches were designed for incandescent bulbs and don’t always work well with the low wattage and electronic circuits in LEDs.

This mismatch can cause an annoying flicker.

Another issue is wear and tear.

Over time, dimmer switches break down, leading to inconsistent lighting.

If your bulbs flicker more when you adjust the dimmer, it’s probably time for a new one.

The best fix? Swap out the old dimmer for one made for LED bulbs.

When buying a new dimmer, check the label for “LED-compatible” to avoid issues.

Also, make sure your LED bulbs are dimmable—using non-dimmable LEDs with a dimmer can cause flickering or even shorten the life of the bulbs.

Still noticing flickering lights after replacing the dimmer?

There could be a wiring issue.

Loose connections in the switch or fixture can cause power interruptions.

In that case, it’s best to have a licensed electrician, like Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, near Conway, SC, take a look.

Swapping a dimmer may seem like an easy fix, but ensuring your wiring is properly secured requires professional expertise for safe and reliable lighting.

Voltage Fluctuations in Your Home

Have you noticed flickering lights?

It could mean a voltage issue in your home.

When your home’s voltage is unstable, flickering lights may dim or brighten on their own.

This can happen because of overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or even issues with the power grid.

One of the first signs of voltage trouble is lights dimming or flickering when big appliances turn on—like your air conditioner or fridge.

These appliances need a sudden power surge, which briefly lowers the voltage for your lights.

But if your lights flicker often or for no clear reason, there may be a bigger problem.

If the voltage swings more than ±10% from the usual 120V, you may notice flickering lights acting up or even damage to sensitive electronics.

If you think this is happening, check if other devices in your home are malfunctioning.

A licensed electrician can test voltage levels and inspect your system for any potential issues.

Fixing voltage issues fast can help prevent damage to your home’s wiring and electronics.

If your flickering lights keep acting up even after small fixes, it’s time to call Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Their skilled electricians can find the problem and make sure your home’s power is stable and safe.

Overloaded Electrical Circuits

Ever had flickering lights when you turn on the microwave?

That’s a sign of an overloaded circuit.

When too many devices draw power from one circuit, it struggles to keep up, causing lights to dim or flicker as appliances switch on and off.

Other signs of overload include breakers tripping often, buzzing outlets, or warm spots around electrical panels and plugs.

If your lights dim when big appliances like air conditioners or space heaters turn on, your circuit may be maxed out.

To avoid overloads, don’t plug too many high-power appliances into the same circuit.

Big power users like air conditioners, space heaters, and refrigerators should have their own dedicated circuits.

If flickering lights continue, you might need an upgrade.

A better electrical panel can improve power flow and prevent strain on your wiring.

If you’re seeing these warning signs, it’s time to call a pro.

Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC, can help.

Their general electrician services can assess your home’s power needs, upgrade circuits, and make sure your electricity runs safely and reliably.

Problems with Your Power Service

Flickering lights aren’t always caused by something inside your home.

Sometimes, the problem comes from power supply issues outside, like a broken transformer or changes in the main power lines.

If your lights dim or blink at the same time as your neighbors’, the issue is likely with the power company, not your home’s wiring.

First, check if the unsteady lighting happens all over your home or just in certain rooms.

If multiple homes are affected, it’s probably a utility problem.

Power grid changes, equipment failures, or even maintenance work can cause voltage swings that lead to inconsistent lighting.

If you think the power company is to blame, call them to report it.

They can tell you if there’s a repair, an outage, or another issue causing the flickering lights.

If the problem is on their end, you may just have to wait it out.

But if it keeps happening, it could damage your electronics, so don’t ignore it.

If the utility company says everything is fine, the problem could be inside your home.

Loose connections, overloaded circuits, or aging wires might be the cause.

In that case, it’s time to call Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC for a professional check-up and safe repairs to keep your lights steady and your home safe.

Loose or Faulty Wiring

Loose or faulty wiring isn’t just annoying—it’s a fire risk.

When wires loosen up, they create resistance, leading to voltage drops and unsteady illumination.

Over time, this can cause overheating and even electrical fires.

Signs You Have Wiring Problems

Flickering lights might be the first clue, but there are other signs you shouldn’t ignore:

• Sparking outlets or a burning smell from walls
• Buzzing sounds near switches or light fixtures
• Circuit breakers tripping often for no clear reason
• Lights dimming when appliances turn on

If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait—it’s time to take action.

When to Call a Professional

Fixing wiring problems isn’t a DIY job.

Electrical work is dangerous and needs an expert touch.

If your lights flicker often or you suspect hidden wiring issues, call a professional.

Mister Sparky of Conway, SC, offers emergency electrical services to quickly find and fix dangerous wiring problems.

Their emergency electricians are ready to keep your home safe.

Don’t ignore flickering lights—they could be warning you about a serious problem.

Electrical Panel Problems

If your flickering lights are persistent, your electrical panel might be to blame.

This panel sends power through your home, and if it can’t handle the demand, your lights may dim or blink—especially when big appliances turn on.

One common issue is a faulty circuit breaker.

If a breaker is loose, damaged, or worn out, it won’t provide steady power.

Lights that flicker can be an early warning of bigger problems, like overheating or arcing, which could lead to a fire.

If your breaker trips often or you notice a burning smell near the panel, it’s time to take action.

Many older homes in Conway, SC, still have outdated panels that aren’t built for today’s electrical needs.

If your panel is over 25 years old, it may not keep up with modern power use, causing voltage drops.

Some older brands, like Federal Pacific or Zinsco breakers, are even known for safety risks and should be replaced.

If your lights dim or blink when you use appliances or at random times, it’s best to call an expert.

Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC, can check your system and let you know if you need repairs or an upgrade.

If your panel is causing constant flickering lights, scheduling an emergency electrical service could be the safest option.

How Big Appliances Affect Your Flickering Lights

Have you noticed your lights dimming or flickering when the AC, fridge, or space heater turns on?

That happens because these appliances pull a lot of power all at once, causing a quick voltage drop.

A little flickering is normal, but if it keeps happening or gets worse, there could be a bigger issue.

Finding the Cause

Appliances with motors or heating elements—like HVAC systems, microwaves, and washing machines—are usually to blame.

If your lights blink or dim only when a certain device turns on, that appliance is likely using more power than your circuit can handle.

How to Fix the Flickering

Try plugging big appliances into dedicated circuits so they don’t pull power from the same line as your lights.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need an electrical panel upgrade to handle today’s power needs.

When to Call an Electrician

If several lights flicker every time an appliance starts, or if the flickering lasts more than a second or two, your home’s wiring may not be keeping up.

In some cases, an old or failing panel can’t regulate power properly, which leads to voltage issues.

Mister Sparky of Conway, SC, can inspect your electrical system and recommend upgrades if needed.

Don’t ignore ongoing flickering lights—it could point to serious electrical problems that need a professional fix.

Weather-Related Electrical Issues

Bad weather can mess with your home’s electrical system.

Storms, lightning, and strong winds can cause flickering lights by disrupting power lines, transformers, and utility services.

If your lights dim or flicker during a storm, the problem is likely outside your home.

One major cause is power grid instability.

Strong winds can knock down power lines, and lightning can send voltage surges through your wiring.

If the issue stops once the storm is over, it was probably a temporary problem.

But if it keeps happening, there might be damage to your electrical system.

To keep your home safe, think about adding surge protection.

Sudden power surges can ruin appliances and even harm your electrical panel.

A whole-house surge protector absorbs extra voltage before it reaches your devices, saving you from expensive repairs.

Learn more about surge protection services.

If your lights continue to blink or fluctuate after the storm, call a licensed electrician. Your wiring might be damaged, or your utility connections may need a professional inspection.

Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC, has experts ready to assess and repair weather-related electrical problems in Conway, SC, ensuring your home stays safe and reliable.

Why LED and CFL Bulbs Blink or Dim

Ever notice your lights flickering or dimming at home?

LED and CFL bulbs are more sensitive to power fluctuations than traditional incandescent bulbs. Instead of a steady current, they use electronic drivers that react to small voltage shifts. This makes inconsistent lighting more common, especially in older homes with unstable power.

Frequent dimming or flickering could indicate an underlying electrical issue. Another major cause is dimmer switch compatibility—older dimmers may not work well with modern LED or CFL bulbs.

Many dimmers were made for incandescent bulbs and don’t always work well with LEDs or CFLs.

This can cause fluctuating or pulsing lights when the power isn’t regulated smoothly.

If your dimmable LED bulbs keep having issues, check if your dimmer is LED-compatible—if not, upgrading might solve the problem.

Bulb quality matters, too.

Cheap LEDs often have poor internal drivers that struggle to handle voltage changes.

Even in homes with stable electricity, low-quality bulbs can still act up.

To avoid this, go for high-quality, Energy Star-rated bulbs.

Poor-quality bulbs can contribute to flickering lights, making the issue more persistent.

Your fixtures play a role as well.

If they weren’t designed for LEDs or CFLs, the electrical connection might be weak, causing inconsistencies in power.

Using the right bulbs for your fixtures can help cut down on unwanted fluctuations.

Still having issues after switching to good bulbs?

If you’re in Conway, SC, you might have a deeper electrical problem.

In that case, calling a professional electrician is the safest way to fix it before it turns into a bigger issue.

Signs You Need an Electrical Inspection

If your flickering lights keep acting up, it might not just be a small annoyance—it could mean a bigger electrical problem.

A loose bulb or an overloaded circuit is easy to fix, but if the issue won’t stop, you may need a professional to take a look at your flickering lights to ensure there’s no underlying issue.

One big warning sign is old or faulty wiring.

Over time, wires can loosen, causing voltage drops that lead to unsteady lighting.

If you ignore it, this could turn into a fire hazard.

An outdated electrical panel can also struggle to keep up, especially if newer, high-powered appliances are putting too much strain on the system.

If your breakers keep tripping, that’s another red flag.

Circuit breakers prevent your home from overloads, but if they keep shutting off—along with flickering lights that won’t stay steady—your system might be working harder than it should.

Unstable voltage can also cause power surges, which might damage your appliances or electronics.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that ongoing lighting issues are a clear sign that you need a professional electrical inspection.

If you’ve ruled out simple fixes but your lights are still flashing or dimming, it’s time to call Mister Sparky of Myrtle Beach, SC, for a full checkup.

Whether you’re in Conway, SC, or nearby, catching problems early can save you from costly repairs and bigger headaches later.

Flickering lights FAQs

Why do my lights flicker when I turn on an appliance?

When I turn on a big appliance like a fridge or air conditioner, it briefly pulls a lot of power. This can make my lights dim or blink for a second. If it keeps happening or gets worse, it might mean my circuit is overloaded or my wiring needs fixing. I should get it checked by a pro.

Can flickering lights be a fire hazard?

Yes. If my lights keep flickering, it could mean I have loose wiring, bad connections, or overloaded circuits. These problems can cause heat buildup, which raises the risk of fire. If I notice this, I should call a licensed electrician right away.

Do LED bulbs flicker more than incandescent bulbs?

Yes, LEDs are more sensitive to voltage changes. If I use the wrong dimmer switch, they might flicker. To fix it, I should make sure I’m using a dimmer made for LEDs and that my wiring is stable.

When should I call an electrician about flickering lights?

If my lights flicker in several rooms, keep flickering after I switch bulbs, or come with buzzing, a burning smell, or tripped breakers, I know it’s time to call an electrician. A trusted professional in Conway, SC, can assess and fix the issue before it worsens.

Can bad weather cause my lights to flicker?

Yes. Strong winds, storms, or power grid issues can make my lights flicker. If it keeps happening after the bad weather is over, I might need an expert to check it out. Residents in Conway, SC, should contact a local electrician for assistance.