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Why Our Lights Kept Flickering—And the Real Problem Was the Breaker Box

Why Our Lights Kept Flickering—And the Real Problem Was the Breaker Box

Why Our Lights Kept Flickering—And the Real Problem Was the Breaker Box
Aug 26, 2025

Imagine you’re sitting down to enjoy dinner, or working on your laptop, when the lights start flickering. Your first thought? "Time to change the bulb." Sometimes, that quick fix works - but not always. In fact, flickering lights can be a symptom of much deeper electrical issues.

At Mr. Electric, we know how unsettling flickering lights can be. They’re distracting, sure - but they can also signal deeper problems in your home or business' electrical system. That’s why we offer professional flickering light repair among our electrical repair services.

Our certified electricians are here to get to the root of the issue and keep your property safe. As an established, licensed, and insured business, Mr. Electric gives you the peace of mind you deserve. Plus, we offer a 1-year guarantee on our workmanship.

With that said, we also love sharing tips and info so that our neighbors and community can enjoy functional and safe electrical systems. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common reasons your lights might be flickering.

Loose or Faulty Bulbs

Yes: sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. A bulb that’s not screwed in all the way or has worn-out threads may cause flickering. The same goes for older bulbs nearing the end of their life cycle... but if you’ve changed the bulb once or twice and the problem keeps returning, then it’s time to look deeper.

It only takes one to screw in a lightbulb, but changing the bulb should involve more than screwing a bulb in. Our uniformed electrician won’t just replace a bulb; they’ll inspect the fixture, wiring, and panel to make sure the problem isn’t bigger than it appears.

Faulty Switches or Fixtures

Sometimes the flicker comes not from the bulb but rather from the light switch. A loose connection inside of a wall switch or fixture can make the light blink when you touch it - or even when no one is near it. This type of issue is more common in older homes and buildings, especially if the switches haven’t been updated in decades.

When you bring in Mr. Electric, you can be sure we will test the switch, confirm whether it’s faulty, and replace it safely. Remember, it’s not just about stopping the flicker - it’s about preventing an electrical hazard!

Overloaded Circuits

Have you ever noticed lights flickering when you turn on the microwave, vacuum, or space heater? That’s usually a sign of an overloaded circuit. This is awfully common in older homes especially, because the electrical panel may not be designed to handle today’s electrical demand. Think about all of the appliances, equipment, fixtures, and gadgets we have now.

Moving appliances and equipment can help balance the electrical load, but you might need new circuits or additional capacity. This is why annual electrical inspections are so important. During an electrical inspection, the electrician will test your circuits, balance loads, and even recommend upgrades to your electrical panel.

Problems in the Electrical Panel

The electrical panel - sometimes called the circuit breaker box - is the control center of your property’s electrical system. If it’s outdated, overloaded, or simply worn out, then you might notice flickering lights as one of the first warning signs. Corroded breakers, loose connections, or damaged wiring in the panel can also cause irregular voltage.

This isn’t just annoying - it’s dangerous. Left unchecked, these issues can lead to fires or complete power outages. This is why addressing flickering lights is so important. Brushing it off as a minor inconvenience can expose your property to serious electrical hazards!

Hire a Local Electrician Any Time! Call Mr. Electric

Whether you need an urgent electrical repair service or an electrical panel changed, the certified and uniformed electricians at Mr. Electric have the expertise, experience, and equipment to get the job done right the first time around. And if we don't? We guarantee our workmanship for 1 year. Give us a call and we'll be more than happy to help!

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