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Why Do My Lights Keep Flickering?

Flickering lights range from harmless to a genuine warning sign. Here's how to tell the difference and what's usually behind it.

Published 2026-06-01 · Taupō Electricians

The common, harmless causes

  • A loose or failing bulb — tighten it or swap it first
  • An incompatible LED + dimmer combo (very common) — some LEDs need a dimmer rated for them
  • A large appliance starting up (heat pump, oven) briefly dipping the voltage

The causes worth worrying about

If flickering is widespread, getting worse, or comes with warm switches, buzzing or a burning smell, that can mean a loose connection in the wiring or switchboard — a real fire risk. Loose connections heat up over time. In older Taupō homes, deteriorating wiring or an overloaded circuit is a common culprit. Don't ignore it.

What to check vs when to call

Try a different bulb and (for LEDs) check dimmer compatibility. If that doesn't fix it, or multiple lights flicker, or you notice heat or smell, stop and call an electrician. We'll trace the fault properly rather than leaving a loose connection to worsen.

How we can help

FAQ

Quick answers

Can flickering lights cause a fire?

The flickering itself won't, but the loose connection often behind it can overheat. Persistent or worsening flicker with heat or smell should be checked promptly.

Why do my LED lights flicker on a dimmer?

Many LEDs need a dimmer specifically rated for LED loads. An old halogen dimmer often causes flicker — swapping it usually fixes it.

More guides

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