A Quick Heads-Up
A single, occasional flicker usually isn’t cause for alarm. Persistent, widespread, or worsening flickering is different—it can signal a serious electrical hazard. Below we’ll show you the most common culprits, what you can safely check yourself, and when it’s time to let the licensed pros at Levolt Electric handle it.
Top Causes of Flickering Lights
1. Loose Bulbs or Worn-Out Switches
A bulb that isn’t snug or a decades-old toggle switch can interrupt the connection and create a blink. Fix: Turn the power off, tighten or replace the bulb, and test again.
2. Overloaded Circuits
Modern households run on big-draw devices—HVAC, space heaters, gaming PCs, air fryers. Plug too many onto one circuit and you’ll see lights dim or flicker when a heavy appliance kicks on.
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Frequent breaker trips? That’s your panel saying, “I’m overloaded!”
Learn how a panel upgrade solves this.
3. Failing Breakers or Outdated Panels
Breakers wear out; older panels may even hide recalled components. Other warning signs include:
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Warm panel cover
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Burning odor
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Buzzing or crackling sounds
If your home still has 1960s–70s aluminum wiring, schedule an inspection ASAP.
4. Voltage Drops from Large Appliances
When a refrigerator, heat pump, or well pump starts, it draws a surge of current, stealing voltage from lighting circuits. One brief dip is normal; frequent or severe dips aren’t.
5. Utility-Side Problems
Severe weather, grid equipment failure, or a loose neutral on the pole can make the whole neighborhood flicker. Check with neighbors—shared symptoms point to the utility company.
DIY vs. Professional Diagnosis
| DIY Checks | Call a Licensed Electrician If… |
|---|---|
| ✔ Tighten or swap bulbs | ✖ Flickering is whole-home or multi-room |
| ✔ Replace a suspect light switch | ✖ Breakers trip repeatedly or won’t reset |
| ✔ Reduce load on a busy circuit | ✖ You smell burning or hear buzzing |
| ✔ Ask neighbors about grid issues | ✖ Outlets/switches feel hot or look discolored |
Electricity can kill. If you’re at all unsure, play it safe—call Levolt Electric.
How Levolt Electric Fixes Flickering Lights
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Systematic Troubleshooting – We use calibrated meters to test voltage, load, and continuity—no guesswork.
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Code-Compliant Repairs – Every fix meets the latest NEC and Wake County requirements.
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Future-Proof Solutions – From rewiring to panel replacements and whole-home surge protection, we recommend upgrades that keep you safe and ready for new tech.
Owner Josh has been in the trade since age 14, so you’re getting decades of precision and pride in every repair.
Serving the Triangle—Fast
We’re based in Raleigh and dispatch daily to Franklinton, Zebulon, Rolesville, Cary, Durham, Wake Forest, Garner, Knightdale, Youngsville, Morrisville, and surrounding communities.
Need emergency help? Our same-day service team is on standby.
Stop the Flicker—Book Your Service Today
Flickering lights can warn of dangerous wiring faults. Don’t ignore the signs.
Call 919-444-2509
or request service online and a Levolt Electrician will be at your door—on time, fully licensed, and ready to restore safe, steady power.
Levolt Electric: powering progress in the Triangle with integrity and craft.
