The kitchen light starts to flicker while you're cooking. Then the living room does it too. Is it just a bulb, or something more serious? Usually it's simple. But flickering lights can also be an early warning, so it's worth knowing the difference.
If it's just one light
When only one light flickers, the cause is usually in that light:
- The bulb is loose or failing. Switch off, let it cool, and check it's screwed or pushed in firmly. Try a new bulb.
- An LED bulb on a dimmer switch. Many LEDs don't work well with old dimmers and flicker at low settings. Use bulbs marked "dimmable", or ask an electrician to fit an LED-compatible dimmer.
- A cheap or faulty LED driver. Some LED downlights and strips flicker as their driver fails. The fitting or driver needs replacing.
If lights flicker all over the house
When several lights flicker at once, look at what else is happening:
- They dip when a big appliance starts, like a kettle, washing machine or electric shower. A slight dip can be normal. A big dip or flicker every time isn't, and may mean a loose connection or an overloaded circuit.
- The whole street is flickering. Ask a neighbour. If they've got it too, the problem is with the network, not your home. Call 105, the free power cut number.
- It's random and getting worse. This can mean a loose connection in the consumer unit, the meter tails or the wiring. That needs an electrician.
Warning signs: switch off and call
Switch off the circuit at the fuse box and call an electrician straight away if flickering comes with any of these:
- a burning smell, buzzing or crackling from a switch, socket or the fuse box
- scorch marks, or a switch or light fitting that's warm to the touch
- water near the light, for example from a leak above (read water near electrics)
Loose connections create heat, and heat is how electrical fires start. If in doubt, switch off and get it checked.
Common questions
Are flickering lights dangerous?
One flickering bulb usually isn't. Flickering in several rooms, or with buzzing, burning smells or warm switches, can mean a loose connection, which is a fire risk.
Why do my LED lights flicker?
Usually the LED bulb doesn't suit the dimmer switch, or the LED driver is failing. Try dimmable bulbs or an LED-compatible dimmer.
Why do my lights flicker when the washing machine or kettle comes on?
A small dip is normal. Big or regular flickers can mean an overloaded circuit or a loose connection, so get an electrician to check.
Who do I call if the whole street is flickering?
Call 105, the free power cut number. It's a problem with the local network, not your home.