If
one light flickers, it’s usually the bulb, the fixture or a dimmer that doesn’t match the bulb. If lights
across a room or the whole house flicker or dim, especially when a big appliance starts, the cause is more often a
loose connection or an overloaded circuit, and it should be checked by an electrician. Want help? See our
troubleshooting service.
If you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or an outlet or panel is hot: turn off the breaker if you can do it safely, unplug what you can, and call (323) 286-9800. If there’s fire or heavy smoke, get out and call 911.
One Light Flickering
Start simple. Tighten the bulb (with the switch off). Try a different bulb. If it’s an LED on a dimmer, make sure the bulb is labeled dimmable and the dimmer is LED-compatible. Mismatched LEDs and dimmers are the single most common cause of flicker we see.
A Whole Room Flickering
When several lights on one circuit flicker together, the problem is usually a loose connection somewhere on that circuit: at a switch, an outlet or a splice. Loose connections heat up over time, which is why this is worth fixing.
Want a licensed electrician to take a look? Ready Electric answers 24/7.
Lights Dim When the AC or Dryer Starts
A brief dip when a big motor starts can be normal. A deep dip, or lights that stay dim, can mean the circuit is overloaded, the service is undersized, or there’s a loose connection at the panel or meter.
The Whole House Flickering
If every light flickers, check whether neighbors see it too. If they do, call your utility (LADWP, Southern California Edison, Pasadena, Glendale or Burbank Water and Power). If it’s only your home, the issue may be at your panel, meter or service connection. Call an electrician.
