IQHab › United States › Electrical › Lights Flickering — Causes
Lights flickering
Flickering lights can be a harmless bulb issue or a wiring problem. Here's how to tell.
Likely causes
| Cause | Likelihood | Severity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose bulb | high | Low | $0–$10 |
| Overloaded circuit | medium | Low | $0–$100 |
| Faulty fixture | medium | Low | $20–$150 |
| Wiring problem | low | High | $150–$800 |
Safe checks you can do
- Tighten the bulb.
- Test another bulb in the fixture.
- Check if it flickers across multiple lights.
Emergency signals
- Flickering house-wide
- Burning smell
- Sparking
Next action
Tighten the bulb first. If it flickers across multiple lights or you smell burning, call an electrician.