Why Do My Lights Flicker? | E.A Electrician

Why do my lights flicker? The common causes and when to worry

Why your lights flicker or keep dimming: LED and dimmer problems, loose bulbs and connections, supply issues, and when to call an electrician.

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The short answerFlickering is most often caused by LED bulbs on a dimmer that isn't compatible with them, a loose bulb, or a failing LED driver. Those are annoying rather than dangerous. Flickering together with buzzing, a hot switch, a burning smell, or lights dimming across the whole house points to a loose connection or a supply problem, and needs an electrician.

One light flickering

A loose or failing bulb. Switch off, let it cool, and check it's seated properly, or try a new one.
LED bulbs on the wrong dimmer. Older dimmers were designed for filament bulbs. Fitting dimmable LEDs with an LED-compatible dimmer usually cures it.
A failing LED driver. LED strips and many downlights run from a driver, which can start to flicker before it fails.
A loose connection in the fitting or switch. If the switch is warm or you hear buzzing, stop using it and get it checked.

Several lights or the whole house flickering

If lights across the house dim or flicker, especially when something big switches on such as a shower, oven or heater, it can point to a loose connection on a main circuit, a problem in the consumer unit, or an issue with the supply to your home. If your neighbours' lights are flickering too, contact your network operator on 105.

Lights dimming when an appliance starts

A brief dip when a large appliance starts can happen, particularly on older installations. If it's noticeable every time, or getting worse, have the circuits and connections checked.

When to call an electrician

Flickering with buzzing, crackling or a burning smell.
A switch, fitting or socket that feels hot.
Lights across the whole house flickering or dimming.
Flickering that continues after you've changed the bulb.

Need a hand?

E.A Electrician Ltd is a North London electrical company based in Wood Green, N22, rated 5.0 from 32 Google reviews. See our fault finding & repairs service, or call 07871 056970 for a free estimate.

Quick answers

Why do my LED lights flicker?

Most often because the dimmer isn't compatible with the LED bulbs or driver, or because the driver is starting to fail.

Is flickering lights dangerous?

One flickering bulb usually isn't. Flickering with buzzing, heat or a burning smell, or flickering across the whole house, can be a sign of a loose connection and should be checked.

Why do my lights flicker when the heating or oven comes on?

Large appliances draw a lot of current when they start. Small dips can be normal, but frequent or worsening flicker should be checked.

Published by E.A Electrician Ltd. Last updated 1 November 2026.

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