Why Are My Lights Flickering? Common Causes and Fixes

As a licensed electrician serving Canton, Novi, and surrounding areas in Southeast Michigan, I’ve seen firsthand how often homeowners overlook potential electrical hazards—until it’s too late. Many people assume that if the lights are on and the appliances work, everything must be fine. But that’s not always the case.

In reality, electrical issues often hide behind your walls, slowly increasing the risk of fire, power outages, or shock. A proactive approach is essential, and that starts with a solid, easy-to-follow electrical safety checklist for your home.

This guide will walk you through what every homeowner should be checking, how often, and what signs mean it’s time to call a professional electrician.

What Causes Lights to Flicker?

Lights flicker for many reasons, some minor and some potentially dangerous. It all depends on where it’s happening, how often, and whether it’s affecting one light or your entire home.

Here are the most common culprits we see during service calls throughout Southeast Michigan:

1. Loose Light Bulbs or Fixtures

Let’s start with the easiest fix—loose bulbs. If a bulb isn’t screwed in properly, it can break the connection with the socket and cause intermittent flickering. Similarly, older or worn light fixtures may have loose wiring that disrupts power flow.

Fix:
Turn off the light, let the bulb cool down, and screw it in firmly. If the issue persists, check the fixture itself. It may be time to replace it.

2. Incompatible or Faulty Bulbs

Are your lights flickering when using dimmer switches? The problem could be bulb compatibility. Not all LED bulbs work well with traditional dimmers. This mismatch can cause noticeable flickering or buzzing.

Fix:
Make sure your bulbs are dimmable and compatible with the type of dimmer switch installed. If not, consider upgrading your dimmer or switching to the right bulbs.

3. Overloaded Circuits

If your lights flicker when you turn on the microwave, vacuum, or hairdryer, you’re likely overloading a circuit. That brief flicker is a result of a high-wattage appliance drawing too much current, momentarily disrupting the electrical flow.

This is especially common in older homes, where the wiring may not be designed to handle modern loads.

Fix:
Try moving appliances to different outlets. If flickering continues, you may need a dedicated circuit installed by a licensed electrician.

4. Loose or Damaged Wiring

Wiring issues are among the most serious causes of flickering lights. Loose connections in outlets, switches, or even at the panel can create intermittent contact that results in flickering. Worse, they can generate heat, which poses a significant fire hazard.

We’ve diagnosed wiring issues in older homes where original wiring may be outdated or deteriorated.

Fix:
Do not attempt to fix this yourself. Electrical fires often start from loose wires behind walls or in panels. Call a professional electrician to inspect the system and make necessary repairs.

5. Faulty Switches or Dimmers

Sometimes the problem lies in the wall switch. If your light flickers when you jiggle or touch the switch, that’s a red flag. Switches wear out over time and may develop internal faults.

Fix:
Replace the switch. If you’re unsure how to do this safely—or if you suspect it’s tied to a bigger issue—Emerald Electric can help with same-day service in Canton and surrounding areas.

6. Voltage Fluctuations in the Home

Severe or frequent flickering across multiple rooms could be due to voltage fluctuations. Your home should operate at a fairly steady voltage (typically 120 volts). If it’s spiking or dropping significantly, this could damage electronics and indicate a bigger issue.

Signs of voltage problems include:

• Multiple lights flickering at the same time

• Lights dimming when an appliance starts

• Light bulbs burning out faster than normal

Fix:
This is not a DIY fix. We recommend a full home electrical inspection. At Emerald Electric, we use voltage meters and load testers to assess your system and identify unstable areas.

7. Problems with the Electrical Service Drop (From the Utility)

If you’ve ruled out all internal issues and still have flickering throughout the home, the issue may lie with the power supply coming from your utility provider. This includes problems with the service drop, meter, or main connection to your panel.

Fix:
In this case, a licensed electrician (like our team at Emerald Electric) will inspect your main panel and determine if the issue is on your end or if the power company needs to get involved.

When to Worry About Flickering Lights

While not every flickering bulb is dangerous, persistent or widespread flickering is a reason to act. Here are the red flags that should prompt a call to a licensed electrician:

• Flickering in multiple areas of the home

• Burning smells near lights or switches

• Lights dimming or brightening randomly

• Breakers tripping frequently

• Flickering combined with buzzing or crackling sounds

If you notice any of these, don’t wait. These symptoms can point to major issues like overloaded circuits, failing panels, or dangerous wiring conditions.

Why Choose Emerald Electric?

We’re proud to serve homeowners in Canton, and surrounding areas in Southeast Michigan with honest, high-quality electrical service. As a local electrician, we understand the types of electrical systems in this area—from older ranch homes to new builds—and we’ve seen it all when it comes to flickering lights.

When you call Emerald Electric, you’re not just hiring a contractor. You’re getting a licensed, insured electrician who values safety, clear communication, and long-term solutions—not just quick fixes.

Whether you need a fixture replaced, a circuit upgraded, or your whole panel inspected, we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts

Flickering lights may seem like a minor nuisance, but they can signal real problems hiding inside your walls or electrical panel. Some causes are simple, like loose bulbs or incompatible dimmers. Others—like voltage drops or loose wiring—are serious and potentially dangerous.

As an experienced electrician serving Canton, Michigan, and nearby cities like Novi, Northville, Westland, and Livonia, I always recommend erring on the side of caution. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and get it checked out.

Your home’s electrical system is too important to ignore—and fixing a flickering light now might just prevent a major issue later.