electrical Problems

Lights Flickering

Lights flickering occasionally might be nothing, but persistent flickering can indicate serious electrical problems requiring immediate attention.

⚠️ Urgent - Don't Delay

Diagnosis Solutions Prevention FAQs

Common Causes

Loose bulb or poor bulb contact

Faulty light switch

Loose wiring connections

Overloaded circuit

Voltage fluctuations from grid

Faulty dimmer switch compatibility

Failing light fixture

Serious: arcing in wiring

When Flickering Is Serious

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Flickering with burning smell - URGENT

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Flickering increases when using appliances

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Multiple lights/circuits flickering

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Flickering accompanied by buzzing

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Scorch marks around switches or sockets

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Lights dim significantly when large appliances run

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Flickering started after DIY work

🚨 What Happens If You Ignore This?

Flickering from loose connections can cause arcing - electrical sparks that generate extreme heat. This is a leading cause of electrical fires. Don't ignore persistent flickering.

Diagnosing Flickering Lights

Test the Bulb

Tighten the bulb, or try a new bulb. If flickering stops, problem solved. If LED, ensure it's compatible with any dimmer switch.

Check How Many Lights Affected

Single light = likely bulb/fitting issue. Multiple lights on one circuit = circuit problem. Whole house = main supply issue.

Note When It Happens

Random flickering = loose connection. Flickers when appliance starts = overloaded circuit. Constant flicker = failing component.

Check for Warning Signs

Smell for burning, look for scorch marks, feel if switches are hot. Any of these = turn off circuit and call electrician immediately.

⚠️ Safety: If you smell burning or see scorching, turn off the circuit at the consumer unit and call us.

⚠️ Call a Professional If You Notice:

•Burning smell from any electrical fitting
•Multiple circuits affected
•Scorch marks visible
•Switches or sockets feel hot
•Flickering when appliances run
•The problem persists after changing bulbs
•Your wiring is pre-1970s

Solutions

🔧 DIY Solution

Difficulty: easy

1
Turn off light and let bulb cool
2
Tighten bulb securely
3
Try a new bulb of same type
4
If LED with dimmer, try non-dimmable LED or check dimmer compatibility
5
Check the lamp/fixture for loose connections if visible
6
For anything beyond this, call an electrician

👷 Professional Solution

We'll test circuits with professional meters, check connections at switches and fittings, and inspect your consumer unit. If wiring is suspect, we recommend an EICR.

Typical Cost:New bulb: £2-£10. Professional callout: £80-£120. Switch replacement: £60-£100. Circuit investigation: £100-£200

Time to Fix:Bulb change: 5 minutes. Professional diagnosis: 1-2 hours

Call 07459 345456

Preventing Electrical Problems

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Use quality bulbs and avoid cheap imports

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Don't exceed fixture wattage ratings

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Have an EICR every 10 years (or when buying)

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Upgrade old wiring (pre-1970s) proactively

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Use LED-compatible dimmer switches with LEDs

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Don't ignore early warning signs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services.

LEDs can flicker due to incompatible dimmers or poor quality drivers - annoying but not usually dangerous. However, if LEDs that previously worked fine start flickering, investigate the cause.

High-power appliances draw significant current on startup. Brief dimming is normal if circuits are shared. Significant dimming suggests your main supply or circuits are undersized for your usage.

Occasional flickers (especially during storms or if neighbours are doing building work) can be grid-related. Persistent or worsening flickering needs investigation.

Pre-1970s wiring (rubber or fabric insulated) is considered at end of life and should be replaced. 1970s-80s PVC wiring may have another 10-20 years but benefits from testing. Post-1990s should be fine with regular testing.

Still have questions? We're here to help.

Still Having Problems?

If you've tried the DIY solutions and still have issues, or if you'd prefer a professional to handle it from the start, we're here to help.

Call 07459 345456 Request Quote

Free quotes • Gas Safe registered • NICEIC approved