What Causes Flickering Lights?

Harmless Causes: Bulbs and Dimmers

The most common and least worrying cause is a bulb issue — a loose globe, an ageing LED, or an LED that isn't compatible with the dimmer it's fitted to. Cheap or mismatched dimmers frequently cause LED flicker.

If the flicker is limited to one fitting and stops when you tighten or replace the bulb, you've almost certainly found the cause and there's nothing to worry about.

Load-Related Flickering

If lights dim briefly when a large appliance kicks in — an air conditioner, pump, oven or kettle — you're seeing a voltage dip as that appliance draws its initial surge of current. Occasional, slight dimming is often normal.

But if it's frequent or pronounced, it can point to circuits that are heavily loaded or a supply that's stretched. That may be resolved with a switchboard upgrade or, for high-demand homes, a supply upgrade.

When Flickering Is a Warning Sign

Flickering that affects the whole house, comes and goes randomly, or is paired with buzzing, warm switches, browning fittings or a burning smell should never be ignored. These can indicate loose connections, a failing switchboard, or a fault in the mains or the network connection.

Loose or degraded connections generate heat, and heat is how electrical fires start — so persistent whole-house flickering warrants prompt investigation.

When to Call a Level 2 ASP

If the fault sits at the point of attachment, the service fuse, or the connection to the grid, only a Level 2 ASP can legally work on it. As Ausgrid, Endeavour and Essential Energy authorised ASPs, we can trace flickering from the light fitting all the way back to the street. For urgent faults, call our emergency team on 0466 125 125.