Lights flicker for reasons that range from trivial to urgent. The pattern tells you a lot.
One light flickers
Start simple. Tighten the bulb, try a new one and check the fixture. LED bulbs on an older dimmer often flicker or hum; an LED-rated dimmer cures it. See switch and dimmer installation.
Lights on one circuit dip when an appliance starts
A brief dip when a vacuum, microwave or space heater starts suggests a circuit near its limit. If it happens often, that appliance may need a dedicated circuit.
Lights dim across the house when the air conditioner or furnace starts
Large motors pull a surge of current at startup. A small, brief dip can be normal. A deep or lasting dip points to an undersized service, a weak connection at the panel or a problem on the utility side. An electrical inspection will pin it down.
Lights get brighter and dimmer through the whole house
This is the urgent one. Lights that brighten in some rooms while dimming in others suggest a loose or failing neutral connection, which can damage electronics and start fires. Switch off sensitive equipment and call an emergency electrician.
Other warning signs
- Buzzing or crackling from switches, outlets or the panel
- Warm or discolored cover plates
- A burning smell
- Flicker that started after a storm
Getting it fixed
Good electrical troubleshooting starts at the panel and works outward, checking connections under load. Sometimes the fix is a single loose wire. Sometimes it reveals a panel that needs replacement.
KITMUND troubleshoots flickering lights for homes and businesses throughout Utah, from West Jordan to Vernal. Call (888) 633-7804 any time.