Flickering lights are one of the most common reasons people call us. The good news is that a lot of the time it's simple. The not-so-good news is that sometimes it's the first sign of a wiring problem that shouldn't be ignored.
1. A loose or failing globe
Start with the easy one. Turn the light off, let it cool and make sure the globe is screwed or clipped in firmly. If it still flickers, try a new globe. LEDs can flicker as their internal driver starts to fail.
2. An incompatible dimmer switch
Old dimmers were designed for halogen and incandescent globes. Pair them with LEDs and you often get flicker, buzzing or lights that won't dim smoothly. An LED-compatible dimmer usually fixes it.
3. A loose connection
Connections at the light fitting, switch or switchboard can work loose over time. This is the one to take seriously. Loose connections create heat, and heat is how electrical fires start. If a switch or power point feels warm, buzzes or you smell burning, turn the circuit off at the switchboard and call an electrician.
4. Big appliances starting up
A brief dim when a heater, air con or oven kicks in can be normal. If it's dramatic or happening constantly, the circuit may be overloaded or there may be a problem with the wiring or your supply.
5. Old wiring
Many Ballarat homes still have original wiring that's decades old. Worn insulation and tired connections can cause flicker across the house. Our guide to the signs your home needs rewiring covers what else to look out for.
6. A problem with the street supply
If the whole house flickers and your neighbours notice it too, the issue may be on the network side. In Ballarat that's Powercor's network. Report it to them. If it's just your house, call an electrician.
When to call us
If changing the globe doesn't fix it, or the flicker is happening in more than one place, it's time for professional fault finding. Our call-out starts from $88 + GST, and we'll find the cause and tell you what it costs to fix before we do anything. If your safety switch is also tripping, read why safety switches keep tripping.
Frequently asked questions
Are flickering lights dangerous?
A single flickering globe is usually harmless. But flickering across several rooms, lights that dim when appliances start, or flickering with buzzing, warm switches or a burning smell can point to a loose connection or overloaded circuit and should be checked by an electrician.
Why do my LED lights flicker when dimmed?
Most often the dimmer switch isn't compatible with the LED globes or driver. Replacing the dimmer with an LED-rated one usually fixes it.
Who do I call if all the lights in my street are flickering?
If neighbours are affected too, it may be a supply issue. In Ballarat, the electricity distributor is Powercor, so report it to them.
Need this sorted properly?
We're happy to talk it through over the phone or come out for a free, no-obligation quote across Ballarat and surrounds.
