You’re sitting at home when suddenly the lights start flickering. It’s distracting, sometimes a little unsettling, and it makes you wonder what it means when lights flicker. Is it a minor issue, or could it be a sign of something more serious?

At Grammar Electrical, we get this question a lot: “Why are my lights flickering?” The answer depends on the situation. Sometimes it’s a simple fix, like a loose bulb, but other times flickering lights in the whole house can point to a more serious electrical issue that needs a professional.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most common causes of flickering lights, why it happens, and when it’s time to call a licensed electrician.

What Does It Mean When Lights Flicker?

Flickering lights are a sign that something isn’t quite right with your electrical system. The causes range from harmless to hazardous. Some issues are as simple as a loose bulb, while others might involve faulty wiring or overloaded circuits.

Here are the most common reasons:

• Loose bulbs or light fixtures - Sometimes the fix is as easy as tightening the bulb.
• Appliance demand - High-power appliances like heaters or microwaves can cause temporary dips in voltage.
• Loose connections - These can create arcing (electricity jumping between gaps), which is a fire hazard.
• Faulty wiring - Old or damaged wiring can’t deliver stable power.
• Issues with the switchboard or supply - More serious cases may require inspection by a qualified electrician.

So, while flickering lights might seem small, they’re worth checking out.

Why Do My Lights Flicker?

Flickering lights are one of the most common electrical problems and solutions homeowners face. The cause often depends on where and when the flickering happens:

In one room or one light:

• Usually caused by a loose bulb, faulty fixture, or weak circuit connection.
• Try tightening or replacing the bulb.
• If flickering continues, call a licensed electrician to check for wiring issues.

Throughout the whole house:

• A sign of a larger problem with your home’s electrical system or supply.
• Possible causes include:
• Overloaded circuits pulling too much power.
• Issues at the switchboard or main connection.
• Damaged or aging wiring.
• Fluctuations in external power supply.
• Have a professional inspect your system immediately to ensure safety.

When appliances turn on:

• Caused by large devices like fridges or heaters drawing extra current when they start up.
• A quick flicker is normal, but frequent or long flickering can signal overloaded circuits or outdated wiring.
• An electrician can test your circuit breakers and recommend upgrades.

Tip: Don’t ignore flickering lights. They’re often the first sign of deeper electrical issues, and fixing them early keeps your home safe and efficient.

When Flickering Lights Are a Sign of Danger

Not all flickering lights are dangerous, but some are red flags. You should call Grammar Electrical immediately if you notice:

• Flickering across the entire house
• Lights dimming when appliances turn on
• A burning smell, buzzing, or warm outlets near flickering lights
• Repeated tripped circuit breakers along with flickering

These symptoms can indicate short circuits, damaged wiring, or failing switchboards, all of which are major health and safety concerns. Ignoring them can increase the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and property damage.

Your Reliable Electricians for Flickering Light Problems

If you’ve ever wondered, “why do my lights flicker in the whole house?”, you’re not alone. Flickering lights can range from a simple fix, like a loose bulb, to more serious issues involving your home’s wiring or electrical system. That’s where Grammar Electrical can help.

With over 70 years of experience, our licensed and qualified electricians provide safe, professional solutions for every kind of electrical problem, from minor faults to major system repairs.

Homeowners trust us because we offer:

• Full compliance with New Zealand electrical safety standards
• A Same Day or Free guarantee for many jobs
• A workmanship guarantee up to $20,000
• 24/7 emergency electricians available for urgent callouts

Don’t take chances with flickering lights or faulty wiring. Call Grammar Electrical today on 09 884 6611 or book online to save $15. Safe, reliable, and ready when you need us most.