Are your lights flickering in your Tamworth home? Don’t ignore them – they could signal anything from a minor bulb issue to a serious electrical fault. At Tamworth Electrician, we’ve helped hundreds of locals diagnose and fix flickering lights safely.
7 Common Causes of Lights Flickering (And How to Fix Them)
1. Loose Light Bulb
Problem: A bulb that isn’t screwed in properly can flicker due to poor contact.
Solution:
- Turn off the power
- Remove and reseat the bulb
- Try a new bulb (LEDs last longer – see our lighting services)
When to call us: If tightening doesn’t help, the socket may be faulty.
2. Faulty Light Switch
Problem: Worn-out switches cause intermittent connections.
Signs:
- Flickering when adjusting dimmers
- Crackling sounds from the switch
Solution: - Replace old switches (The Clipsal Iconic range is popular at the moment)
- Upgrade to smart switches for better control
Danger sign: Sparks or burning smells? Cut power and call us immediately.
3. Overloaded Circuit
Problem: Too many appliances on one circuit cause voltage drops.
Check:
- Does flickering happen when using the microwave/kettle?
- Are multiple high-wattage devices running?
Solution: - Redistribute appliances
- Consider a circuit upgrade (Learn about switchboard upgrades)
4. Loose Wiring Connections
Problem: One of the most dangerous causes – potential fire risk.
Where to look:
- Switchboard
- Light fixtures
- Junction boxes
Never attempt DIY fixes! Loose wiring requires a licensed electrician.
5. Voltage Fluctuations
Problem: Tamworth’s grid can experience surges (especially during storms).
Diagnose:
- Call us to conduct a test.
- Check if neighbors have similar issues
Solution: - Install surge protectors
- Consider a whole-home voltage regulator
6. Faulty Dimmer Switches
Problem: Old dimmers often struggle with modern LEDs.
Fix:
- Replace with LED-compatible dimmers (like Lutron)
- Ensure bulb wattage matches switch rating
7. Utility Company Issues
Problem: External factors like transformer faults or downed power lines.
Action:
- Check Ausgrid’s outage map
- Report flickering to Essential Energy: 13 23 91
When to Call Tamworth Electrician
Seek emergency help if you notice:
- Burning smells from switches
- Visible sparks
- Whole-house flickering
- Frequent power dips
Our team can:
- Perform safety inspections
- Repair faulty wiring
- Upgrade outdated circuits
24/7 Emergency Line: 1800 00 2340
Contact Us: www.tamworthelectrician.com/contact
Prevent Future Flickering
- Use quality bulbs
- Avoid overloading circuits
- Schedule annual electrical checks
- Install surge protection