Flickering lights range from a loose bulb to a dangerous wiring fault. Where the flicker happens tells you most of what you need to know.
One light only
- The bulb: tighten it, or swap in a bulb you know works.
- An LED that doesn't match the dimmer: many cheap LEDs flicker on old dimmer switches. Use dimmable LEDs with a dimmer that suits them.
- A worn light fitting or switch. If the switch feels warm, crackles or makes the light flicker when you touch it, have it replaced.
One room or circuit
- Loose connections in switches, plug points or junction boxes on that circuit.
- Overloading: lights dim when a heater, kettle or vacuum on the same circuit switches on.
- Call an electrician if it keeps happening. Loose connections heat up and can start fires. See plug points sparking or smelling of burning.
The whole house
- Lights dim briefly when a big appliance starts (a pool pump, borehole pump or air conditioner). A short dip can be normal, but large or frequent dips need checking.
- Supply problems from the municipality: ask your neighbours if theirs flicker too. If they do, report it to the City of Ekurhuleni.
- A loose or burnt main connection in the meter box or distribution board. This is serious, so call an electrician.
- After installing an inverter: a wrongly set-up inverter or changeover can cause flicker. Ask the installer to check it. See inverter and battery backup.
Call an electrician urgently if
- You smell burning or see scorch marks.
- The distribution board buzzes, crackles or feels hot.
- Flickering comes with tripping breakers or tingling from taps or appliances.
For an idea of costs, see electrician prices in Benoni, or for urgent faults, emergency electricians.