Why Are My Lights Flickering? (And No, It's Not a Ghost!)

Flickering lights––annoying, unsettling, and possibly straight out of a horror movie. But before you assume your house is haunted, let's break down what's really going on.

Sometimes, the fix is simple (like tightening a loose bulb). Other times, it's a more serious electrical issue that needs a professional (that's us!) before things get shocking––literally.

Let's dive into the real reasons your lights are flickering and how to tell if it's time to call an electrician.

1. Loose Bulb or Bad Connection

The simple fix: If just one light is flickering, it might be as easy as screwing in the bulb properly. A loose bulb can create a weak connection, causing flickering.

Try this: Turn the light off (safety first!) tighten the bulb, and turn it back on. Still flickering? Try swapping in a new bulb.

If the problem continues in multiple lights, it's not the bulb––it's your wiring. Keep reading!

1. Cheap or Faulty Light Bulbs

Not all bulbs are created equal. If you've got LEDs flickering, your dimmer switch might not be compatible (old dimmers + new LEDs = bad combo).

Try this: Upgrade to a dimmer switch designed for LEDs, or test a different bulb type.

If flickering happens with ALL bulbs and ALL fixtures? It's an electrical issue, not a bulb problem.

1. Voltage Fluctuations & Power Surges

Do your lights flicker when you turn on the kettle, washing machine, or another big appliance? That's a sign your system can't handle the electrical load.

Try this: Check if it happens with just one appliance or if multiple devices cause flickering.

If multiple appliances trigger flickering or lights dim randomly? You could have loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, or a faulty electrical panel. Call an electrician ASAP!

1. Faulty Light Switch or Wiring Issues

If your lights flicker when you touch the light switch, the switch itself could be faulty or have loose wiring. (Fun fact: loose wiring is a major fire hazard––so don't ignore this one!)

Try this: If it's just one light, replacing the switch might solve the issue.

Still flickering? Multiple lights affected? Loose wiring in your home's electrical system is dangerous and needs a professional immediately.

1. Problems with Your Electrical Panel or Utility Supply

If multiple lights flicker across different rooms, or your neighbours are having similar issues, the problem might be outside your home––in the main electrical panel or even at the utility supply level.

Signs you need an electrician:

• Lights flicker across different circuits, not just one fixture.

• You hear buzzing or sizzling near your fuse box.

• Breakers trip frequently or your panel looks outdated.

This isn't a DIY fix––call an electrician!

When Should You Call an Electrician?

If you notice any of the following, it's time to bring in the pros:

• Flickering happens across multiple lights (not just one).

• Lights dim when large appliances turn on.

• You hear buzzing, cracking, or sizzling from switches or outlets.

• Your breaker trips frequently or smells burnt.

• The flickering is getting worse over time.

Bottom line: If it's more than a single bulb or fixture, it's not normal––and it could be a fire risk.

Don't Let Flickering Lights Freak You Out!

Flickering lights don't mean your home is haunted, but they can signal a serious electrical issue. The good news? We've been fixing wiring issues for over 50 years as an NICEIC-approved contractor––so we know exactly what to do.

Need help? Give us all a call. We'll get your lights back to normal––no ghosts involved.

Call us today and let's fix those flickering lights!

info@w-es.co.uk

01600712737