Flickering lights got you frustrated? Those blinking bulbs aren’t just annoying—they’re a cry for help from your electrical system. If you’re dealing with flickering lights in the house, especially flickering LED lights or an LED fixture flickering unpredictably, it’s time to take action. The good news is that most causes of flickering lights can be identified and fixed relatively easily by a professional. Nomad Electrical Services has seen it all when it comes to unsteady lights, and we’re here to shed some light (pun intended) on why it happens and how we can help you stop the flicker for good.
Call our electricians in Calgary for a diagnosis of your flickering lights to avoid further issues:
Common Causes of Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are usually a symptom of an underlying issue. Here are some of the most common causes we encounter in Calgary homes:
Loose Bulbs or Connections: The simplest cause of flickering light is often a loose bulb or connection. If a bulb isn’t screwed in tightly, it may lose contact and then regain it, causing a blink or flicker. Similarly, a loose light switch or a loose wire connection can interrupt the circuit. These are often the first things to check when lights flicker.
Incompatible or Failing Dimmers: Do your flickering LED lights tend to act up when they’re on a dimmer? Many older dimmer switches are made for incandescent bulbs and don’t play nicely with LEDs. Incompatible dimmers can cause LEDs to stutter or flicker. Even with a proper dimmer, cheap LED bulbs or fixtures may flicker if their internal drivers are low quality or beginning to fail.
Overloaded Circuits or Large Appliances: Sometimes, lights flicker not because of the light fixtures but because of other devices in your home. If you notice lights dimming for a moment when the fridge or furnace kicks on, that’s likely a voltage drop. High-draw appliances (space heaters, microwaves, hair dryers, etc.) can temporarily strain a circuit, causing other lights on that circuit to flicker. This can be a sign that the circuit is overloaded or that the appliance is drawing a big surge of power at startup.
Electrical Panel or Wiring Issues: A more serious cause of flickering could be a problem in your electrical panel or branch wiring. For instance, a loose neutral wire in the panel can cause lights to flicker throughout the house and is a fire hazard if left unaddressed. Corrosion or a failing breaker can also create inconsistent power flow. In older homes with aging wiring, flickering might indicate that the wiring is past its prime (brittle insulation, etc.) and that connections are becoming unstable.
External Factors: Sometimes the cause isn’t inside your home at all. Issues on the utility side—like a problem with the transformer outside, or damaged service wires—can cause flickering for you and maybe your neighbours. Tree branches contacting power lines on windy days, for example, can make your lights blink. If multiple houses on your street have flicker at the same time, the cause may lie with the utility’s equipment or supply.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Flicker
It might be tempting to shrug off a flickering light, especially if it comes and goes. But consider this: in many cases, persistent flickering is an early warning of a larger electrical issue. For example, a loose neutral connection can not only make lights flicker but also cause voltage fluctuations that damage appliances or even start fires. Repeated flickering when high-wattage appliances run could mean your circuit is overloaded—a situation that can lead to overheated wires.
Of course, the strobing effect from lights isn’t just irritating; some people get headaches or eye strain from constant flicker. In short, there’s little upside to “wait and see” if the flicker will go away on its own. The safest course is to diagnose and fix it. Remember that electricity is not one of those problems that heals itself; a loose connection won’t magically tighten, and a failing dimmer won’t spontaneously get better. Taking action can prevent potential hazards and also restore the comfort of steady lighting in your home.
How Nomad Electrical Services Can Help
At Nomad Electrical Services, we’re experts at tracing down the source of flickering lights and implementing a lasting fix. When you call us about flickering or LED fixture flickering, here’s what you can expect:
Thorough Inspection: Our licensed electricians will ask you some questions and then perform a systematic check. We’ll tighten bulbs and inspect fixtures, test your switches, and examine the circuit in question. If needed, we open up the panel to look for loose neutrals or hot spots. We use tools like voltage testers and thermal cameras to detect issues invisible to the naked eye. No stone is left unturned.
Clear Diagnosis: Once we identify the cause, we explain it to you in plain language. Maybe it’s as simple as “this dimmer isn’t compatible with your new LED pot lights,” or perhaps “the breaker feeding this circuit is failing.” You’ll understand what went wrong and why it caused the flicker. We’ll also point out if there are multiple factors (for instance, a loose connection we fixed, as well as an overloaded circuit to address).
Effective Solution: Once you give your go-ahead, we’ll fix the issue on the spot if possible. That could mean replacing a bad light switch, installing a new LED-compatible dimmer, repairing a wire connection, or balancing your circuit loads. In cases of a more serious problem (like a faulty panel bus or deteriorated wiring), we’ll make the situation safe and then discuss next steps for a proper repair or upgrade. Rest assured, we come prepared with common replacement parts and tools, so most flicker fixes are completed in a single visit.
Prevention Advice: We don’t just set it and forget it. Our electrician will also give you tips to avoid future flickering problems. If your home’s wiring is of some age, we might suggest an electrical panel tune-up or preventative maintenance (something Nomad offers to catch issues early). If the issue was an overloaded circuit, we might recommend adding a new circuit for your heavy devices. And if you love dimmer switches, we’ll ensure you know which products work best with LEDs, so your lighting remains smooth.
Safety Check: Finally, we perform a quick safety check after the fix. We’ll test the circuit under load (turning things on and off) to be sure everything is stable. Your safety is our priority, so we won’t leave until we’re confident that the flicker is gone and your electrical system is sound.
Customers often tell us they appreciate our informative, no-stress approach. We treat your home like our own and take the time to do things right. And because we’re a local Calgary company, you can expect friendly service with a smile.
Don’t Live with Flickering – Call Nomad!
Flickering lights might start as a minor nuisance, but they can quickly become a major headache if not addressed. The moment you notice an unusual flicker—whether it’s one stubborn lamp or half the house—contact Nomad Electrical Services. We’ll bring calm to your electrical system so you can enjoy steady, reliable lighting again. Remember, behind every steady light is an expert who fixed the flicker! We’re here to be those experts for you.
So, the next time your lights start doing a disco dance uninvited, you know who to call. Nomad Electrical Services will troubleshoot and fix your flickering lights, leaving your home safer and brighter than ever.