Why Your Lights Flicker — and When It’s Time to Call an Electrician

We’ve all seen it: lights that flicker, dim, or pulse for no apparent reason. While a little flicker might seem harmless, it can sometimes point to serious electrical problems hiding behind your walls.

Here’s how to tell what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to call a professional.

Common Causes of Flickering Lights

💡 1. Loose Bulbs or Fixtures

Sometimes, the simplest answer is the right one. A loose light bulb or a worn-out socket connection can cause an intermittent flicker. Try tightening the bulb or replacing it.

If the flicker continues after you’ve swapped bulbs, the issue may be deeper in the circuit.

⚡ 2. Overloaded Circuits

If your lights dim or flicker when you use large appliances (like a microwave, vacuum, or space heater), it may mean that circuit is overloaded. Modern homes use more power than older wiring systems were designed for.

An electrician can redistribute circuits or upgrade your panel to handle today’s higher electrical demands safely.

🔌 3. Faulty Switches or Loose Wiring

Flickering lights can also be caused by a worn-out switch or a loose connection inside your wall. Loose wiring creates resistance — and resistance creates heat. That’s how small problems can turn into major fire hazards.

If lights flicker when you touch the switch, call a licensed electrician immediately.

🏠 4. Outdated Electrical Panels

If your home still uses an older panel — like a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Push-O-Matic, or Challenger — it may not trip properly during power surges, causing lights to flicker and creating a fire risk.

Upgrading to a modern, code-compliant panel ensures your home’s electrical system runs safely and efficiently.

When to Call an Electrician

Occasional flickering from things like power surges or storms is normal. But you should schedule a professional evaluation if you notice:

  • Lights flicker throughout the house (not just one fixture)

  • Breakers trip regularly

  • Outlets or switches feel warm

  • A burning smell near electrical panels or outlets

These symptoms indicate loose connections or overworked circuits, both of which require immediate attention.

East Side Electric: Your Local Electrical Experts

At East Side Electric, we help Kansas City homeowners troubleshoot flickering lights and other electrical problems before they become safety issues. Our licensed electricians can:
✅ Inspect wiring and connections
✅ Test and repair faulty switches or fixtures
✅ Upgrade outdated panels and circuits

We’re committed to helping families stay safe, efficient, and confident in their electrical systems.

📞 Call or text East Side Electric at 816-588-9701
📧 Email: Leads@ESElectricKC.com
🌐 Visit: www.ESElectricKC.com

Don’t ignore those flickering lights — they could be your home’s way of asking for help.