Flickering lights are one of the most common reasons people call an electrician, and one of the hardest for homeowners to judge. Use this guide to decide whether it can wait.
Usually harmless
- One bulb flickers: replace the bulb or check that it is tight.
- LED bulbs flicker on a dimmer: the dimmer is not LED-compatible. A dimmer swap fixes it.
- Brief dimming when the furnace, dryer or AC starts: large motors draw a surge. Occasional dips are normal; constant dips suggest an undersized service.
Worth a service call
- One fixture or one circuit flickers repeatedly: usually a loose connection at an outlet, switch or splice. This is standard troubleshooting work.
- Flicker when you touch or wiggle a switch or plug: worn device, replace it.
Call today
- Lights flicker throughout the whole house, or some lights get brighter while others dim: this is the signature of a loose or failing neutral at the panel, meter or utility connection. It can destroy appliances and start fires.
- Flickering with buzzing, burning smells or warm breakers: treat it as an emergency.
- Flickering that started after storm damage to the service mast.
What the electrician checks
We test voltage on both legs of the service, inspect the main lugs, neutral bar and meter connections, then trace the affected circuit. If the panel is the problem, a panel replacement may be the permanent fix.
Local pages: electrical repair in Everett, Kent, Yakima.