Lights flickering
One flickering light is usually the globe or the fitting. Lights flickering or dimming across the whole house points to a supply or connection problem and needs a call.
What to do right now
- Check if it is one light or many.
- For one light, try a new globe of the right type, with the power off.
- Note when it happens: with the air conditioner starting, or at random.
- If many lights flicker, or you notice buzzing or a burning smell, switch off the main switch and call.
It is an emergency if
Flickering together with buzzing, a burning smell or warm switches. Switch off at the main switch if safe.
For fire, smoke, shock injuries or fallen lines, call 000 first.
Common causes
A bad globe or driver
LED globes and their drivers fail often, especially cheap ones or on dimmers they do not suit.
A loose connection
At the fitting, the switch or the board. This is the dangerous one.
Supply problems
A loose neutral or voltage drops can make every light dim and brighten.
What we do about it
We tell the difference between a failing globe and a failing connection by testing, and fix the real cause.
Common questions
My LED downlights flicker with the dimmer. Is that a fault?
Often it is a mismatch between the dimmer and the LEDs. We can fit a compatible dimmer.
Why do lights dim when the air conditioner starts?
A short dip is normal. A big or long dip can mean a loose connection or an undersized supply.