Electrical · triage
Lights flickering or dimming
The short answer
One fixture: try a new, compatible bulb (LEDs on old dimmers flicker). Many rooms at once, lights brightening and dimming, or flicker with a burning smell: call your utility or an electrician.
Whole-house flicker can be seriousLights that get brighter as well as dimmer can mean a loose neutral connection, which can damage appliances and overheat wiring. casaq covers switching a breaker off and on, and the test/reset buttons on a GFCI outlet. Opening the panel, outlets or switches is licensed electrician work.
Know your shutoffs
Every outcome on this card
WatchProbably the bulb or dimmer
Try a new bulb first.
- Swap in a new bulb rated for that fixture With the switch off.
- If it is on a dimmer, use a dimmable LED
- Still flickering? Have an electrician check the switch or fixture
This monthA brief dip when motors start
Common; worth a check if it is getting worse.
- Note which appliance causes it
- If the dip is large or lasts, ask an electrician A dedicated circuit or a hard-start kit on the AC may help.
- Log it
TodayHouse-wide flicker
Call the electric utility today.
- Call your electric utility Problems at the meter or service drop are theirs to check.
- Unplug sensitive electronics
- If the utility side is fine, call an electrician
Emergency nowFlicker with burning or buzzing
Cut the circuit; smoke means 911.
- Smoke: leave and call 911
- No smoke: switch off that circuit or the main
- Call an electrician
Related
Written from
Original casaq guidance, updated 2026-10-05. General guidance, not a diagnosis; licensed-pro review pending. Severity levels: Emergency now / Today / This week / This month / Watch. Send a correction.
Step 1