So, a flickering light bulb can be annoying, distracting, and unsafe.
Once you trace the cause of theflickering bulb, many solutions are low-cost and straightforward.
Over time, even thebest light bulbscan slowly unscrew or give way somehow, especially bulbs near vibration areas.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Ceiling light bulbs on first-floor ceilings can be shaken due to foot traffic on the floor above.
Loose Outlet
Power outlets that service table or floor lamps can cause the bulb to flicker.
While the bulb may be in good condition, the power source wavers.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
Faulty Light Fixture
Because they have no moving parts,light fixturescan last for decades.
But eventually, time can take a toll on light fixtures as the center hot tab loses tension.
Ceiling leaks, foundation shifts, and constant temperature spikes in the attic can affect light fixtures.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
Also, some light fixtures are faulty from the start.
Turning a dimmer up or down isn’t like gradually turning a water tap on or off.
Instead, a dimmer changes the voltage waveform before it enters the light.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
It’s a flicker that passes so quickly that the eye cannot discern it.
Applying more voltage to a dimmer switch than it is designed for is a significant cause ofdimmer switchfailure.
Cables located in walls are generally not to blame.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
These electric cables stay in place if installed with staples or routed through holes in the studs.
Power Demands
Lights often are on dedicated light circuitselectric circuits with nothing besides lights.
Or it may signal severe issues stemming from overloaded circuits or poor wiring connections along the circuit pathway.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
Flickering light because of faulty wiring poses a potential fire hazard.
Don’t ignore flickering light bulbsthey can signal serious problems affecting your home and safety.
Warning
Turning off the light switch alone is not considered safe practice for working with electricity.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
You must also turn off the circuit breaker.
In many cases, you only need to turn out three or four ribbed screws by hand.
These screws are located on the side of the fixture.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
Set the cover aside.
Gently let the fixture drop to expose the electrical wiring.
Be careful not to touch any of the wires yet.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
Test for Electricity and Remove Wires
Turn on the voltage tester.
Hold a pair of wires in one hand while unscrewing the wire nut counter-clockwise with the other hand.
When all wires are detached, remove the light fixture and set it aside.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
Twist the white (neutral) wires of the light fixture clockwise onto the wires of the ceiling box.
Then, twist an appropriately sized wire nut onto the twisted wire connection.
After the wire nut is attached, no bare wires should be exposed.
Kevin Norris / The Spruce
Do this the same way you connected the white wires.
confirm that the fixture is tight against the ceiling.
Install Bulb
roll out the bulb or bulbs into the light fixture.
Be sure to consult the light fixture’s instruction manual to preventexceeding the wattage of bulbs.
Attach the light cover again.
If it’s time todispose of the old bulb, consider gettingsmart bulbs.
Smart bulbs can be used in most modern light fixtures of the same size.
Turn on the room’s light switch, too.
Leave the light on and observe it for signs of flickering.
The electrician can help you track down loose wiring connections.
If a nail or screw punctures a mid-cable, the electrician can replace that cable for you.
Loose wiring can lead to arcing which may also result in an electrical fire.
