Why Do My Lights Flicker?

Are you suffering from flickering lights in your home? The issue is always a bad connection somewhere, but it is challenging to determine where exactly it happens. Here are some of the most common reasons why this might happen:

Loose Light Bulb

• A poorly screwed-in light bulb can cause flickering due to intermittent contact. This often happens with the bulbs that are screwed in. Tightening the bulb might fix the issue.

Faulty Light Bulb

• Damaged or malfunctioning bulbs, particularly older ones, often flicker. If this is the case, just replace the lightbulb with a new one. Some LED lightbulbs can also flicker as they are sensitive to light fluctuations.

Incompatible Dimmer Switch

• If you have a dimmer switch, it might be the reason for flickering lights. Using LED or CFL bulbs with an older dimmer switch can cause flickering due to incompatibility. In fact, many LED bulbs operate only with a particular type of dimmer.

Fluctuations in Voltage

• Electrical load changes on the same circuit can cause voltage fluctuations, leading to flickering. Monitor the flickering. If it happens when appliances draw a lot of power, the issue may be voltage fluctuations. You can use a voltmeter to check for significant voltage dips, but it's best to have an electrician verify.

Overloaded Circuit

• Too many devices plugged into the same circuit can overload it, causing lights to flicker. This often occurs in older homes with a panel that cannot hold the electrical load. If you suspect this issue, start by reducing the load. If you wish to think strategically about this, upgrading an electrical panel or adding more circuits is an option for you.

Faulty Light Switch

• A worn or defective light switch can create an inconsistent connection, leading to flickering. Jiggle the switch slightly. If the flickering changes with the movement, the switch is likely faulty and should be replaced.

Loose Wiring

• Loose wiring in the light fixture, circuit breaker, or electrical panel can cause flickering and is a fire hazard. Since loose wiring is a serious issue, it requires an inspection from a professional electrician. Old wiring poses a hazard and should be replaced. You may suspect loose wiring if the lights flicker only in certain rooms at an interval and more simple solutions do not apply.

Appliances Drawing High Power

• Turning on large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can momentarily draw power and cause flickering. If the flickering happens exclusively when these devices are on, this might be your issue.

Issues with the Electrical Panel

• A malfunctioning electrical panel can cause flickering across multiple lights or areas. If the flickering is widespread or random across your home, the electrical panel is the issue. An electrician can inspect and repair the panel if necessary.

Loose Service Conductor Connections

• Loose connections at the main service cable can cause flickering and should be checked by a licensed electrician. This is a serious issue that requires a licensed electrician. They will inspect the service conductors connected to your home for any loose connections. You can suspect this issue if the multiple lights on different circuits are flickering.

One specific issue related to loose connections is "lost hot". A "lost hot" occurs when one of the two hot wires supplying power to your home from the utility company becomes disconnected or breaks. This issue leads to an incomplete power supply, where half of your home's circuits might not function properly, or they may experience flickering, dimming, or intermittent performance. "Lost Hot" can be suspected if some circuits in your homework, while others don't. Another sign of it is if turning on large 240V appliances (such as your oven, dryer, or water heater) temporarily restores power to some affected circuits or reduces flickering. It also can be an issue if appliances like the oven or water heater take longer than usual to heat, indicating a lower power supply.

If you suspect a Lost Hot, call your utility company and report that half of your house is without power. They will inspect and repair the issue, often for free, since the problem is with the service drop wires outside your home.

If you need to replace the wiring after identifying the problem, NNC has a vast catalogue of cables to choose from.