🔌 Dangers of Flickering Lights and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore them
- Scott Finlayson
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
By: Scott, Finlayson. Master Electrician and Owner of Finlayson Inc.
You’ve probably seen it — that one light in the kitchen or hallway that flickers now and then. It might seem like a minor annoyance, but from an electrician’s point of view, flickering lights are often an early warning sign of a bigger electrical issue.
Dangers of, and Common Causes of Flickering Lights
Loose Bulbs or Fixtures - The simplest fix. A loose connection between the bulb and socket can cause intermittent power flow. Always turn off the light and make sure it’s screwed in securely.
Faulty Light Switches or Dimmers - Older or cheap dimmer switches often don’t pair well with LED bulbs, causing flickering. A quick upgrade to a compatible dimmer switch can solve this.
Overloaded Circuits - If your lights dim or flicker when an appliance kicks on (like a microwave or AC), that could be a sign your circuit is overloaded or improperly wired.
Loose Wiring (⚠️ Serious!) - Loose or corroded connections inside the electrical panel, junction boxes, or outlet boxes can be a fire hazard. This isn’t a DIY job — it’s time to call a licensed electrician.
Why It Matters
Flickering lights aren’t just annoying — they’re potentially dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions are a leading cause of house fires. Catching and fixing these issues early keeps your home safe.
When to Call an Electrician
If your lights flicker frequently, especially when multiple lights are involved or it’s happening throughout the house, don’t wait. At Finlayson Electric, we offer thorough home inspections to find the root of the problem and fix it right the first time.
Need help diagnosing flickering lights in your home?
📞 Contact Finlayson Electric today — we’re your trusted local experts in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Southern Maine.
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