Why Your Lights Blink When You Flip the Switch — And What to Do About It

Common Reasons Your Lights Flicker

1. Loose Bulbs or Fixtures

Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one. A bulb that isn’t screwed in all the way can lose contact with the socket, causing it to flicker when turned on. Similarly, an old or loose light fixture might not be making a solid electrical connection.

✅ Quick fix: Turn off the power and gently tighten the bulb or check the fixture for loose screws or connections.

2. Bulb Type & Compatibility

Are you using LED bulbs with a dimmer switch? Not all LEDs are compatible with older dimmers. Incompatible combinations can cause flickering when lights are first turned on or when dimmed.

✅ Tip: Look for “dimmable” LED bulbs and check your dimmer's compatibility. If unsure, we can help you upgrade to a compatible system.

3. Voltage Fluctuations

Do the lights flicker briefly when a large appliance (like your fridge or air conditioner) kicks on? That could be a sign of voltage fluctuations. Large appliances draw more current, which can cause a momentary drop in voltage — enough to make your lights flicker.

⚠️ Warning sign: If flickering is consistent or affects multiple rooms, this may indicate an overloaded circuit or a more serious wiring issue.

4. Loose Wiring or Faulty Connections

This is where things can get dangerous. Flickering caused by loose wiring inside your walls, outlets, or electrical panel can be a fire hazard. If the problem is happening in multiple areas of your home or gets worse over time, it’s important to call a licensed electrician right away.

🔥 Safety tip: Never ignore persistent flickering, especially if it’s accompanied by buzzing sounds, burning smells, or warm switches/outlets.

5. Utility Service Issues

In rare cases, the problem may not be inside your home at all. Your electrical service provider may be experiencing issues that result in inconsistent power delivery to your house. If neighbors are experiencing similar problems, this could be the cause.

🔌 Solution: Contact your utility company to report the issue and confirm whether it’s related to their equipment.