Should You Be Worried About Flickering Lights? Find Out Here
admin • June 17, 2019
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The answer to the above question is: “Sometimes no and sometimes yes.” Lights in your house that start to flicker can indicate minor issues you can correct yourself or which an electrician can fix, but aren’t a source of major worry—except for losing light in a few bulbs.
On the other hand, flickering lights can warn that there are bigger electrical faults in the house, some potentially dangerous. These problems absolutely require a professional electrician to repair. Never attempt to do any wiring or panel repair on your own, since it can create larger fire hazards and a high danger of electrical shocks.
The “No Sweat” Flickering Light Problems
We’ll start with some of the basic troubles that may cause flickering lights. You may or may not need to call for repairs for these, but you also don’t need to worry about your safety. (If you aren’t sure, call an electrician to check on what’s happening.)
- LED and fluorescent light behavior: If you are new to having LED or fluorescent lights in your house, you might think something is wrong when they flicker. However, this is common to these types of lights and rarely anything to worry about. It usually happens when the lights come on. If the flickering is too distracting, put in a new light.
- Loose bulb: If a single lightbulb is flickering, turn off the power to it and check to see if it is secure in the socket. If this doesn’t solve the issue, then there’s something else wrong.
- Bad light switch: The light switch closes and opens the electrical connection to the lights. If it has a poor connection, it will create flickering. Fiddle with the switch a bit to see if the flickering stops. If it doesn’t, it’s best to have an electrician put in a new switch.
The “Time to Worry” Flickering Light Problems
We don’t want you to worry for too long, however! If you think there may be a serious electrical issue behind the flickering lights, shut off the power at the electrical box and call for an electrician in Livingston, NJ. You can count on our licensed electricians to provide the best service.
- Power Surges: Also known as voltage fluctuations, this is a problem people often associate with disasters like lightning strikes or downed power lines. But there doesn’t need to be a disaster for your home’s voltage to surge above or below the standard 120 volts. This will not only cause lights to flicker, it may also lead to lights burning out early. You don’t want this voltage instability in your house, since it can increase the chance for failed equipment and damage. Call an electrician to test the voltage and offer solutions.
- Bad wiring: Loose wiring is the most hazardous cause for flickering lights in a home and also the leading cause of house fires. This is more likely to occur in an older home in need of a wiring upgrade. If you cannot find other reasons for lights flickering, have an electrician make the check to see if there is loose wiring that can endanger the house.
Anderson Electric Corp. serves Northern Jersey. Call us today for a free estimate!
What’s Included in a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection? Summer in New Jersey means rising temperatures — and rising electrical usage. Between air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, EV chargers, and outdoor appliances, your home’s electrical system will be working overtime. That’s why now is the perfect time for a comprehensive electrical safety inspection . At Anderson Electric, we help homeowners prepare for the heat by identifying potential risks, fixing hidden issues, and making sure their system is up to code before the busy season begins. Here’s what’s included — and why it matters. Why Get an Electrical Inspection Before Summer? Even if your lights seem fine and your panel isn’t tripping, your system could be under silent strain. Summer adds demand and environmental exposure (like humidity or storms) that can stress aging wires and overloaded circuits. Benefits of a seasonal inspection include: Preventing outages during peak usage Protecting your family from fire hazards Avoiding costly emergency repairs Ensuring your HVAC and appliances run efficiently 💡 Related: Is Your Electrical System Ready for Summer in NJ? → What We Check During a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection 1. Electrical Panel Evaluation We open your main service panel to: Check breaker condition and labeling Look for signs of overheating, rust, or loose wires Evaluate if your panel is properly sized for your summer load (especially important if you’ve added AC units or EV chargers) If your panel is outdated or underpowered, we’ll recommend options for a safe 200-amp panel upgrade . 🔌 Read: 5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in NJ → 2. GFCI and Outdoor Outlet Testing GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are essential outdoors and near water — and they should be tested monthly. We’ll: Test GFCIs for fast, reliable shutoff Inspect weatherproof covers and boxes Look for corrosion or loose connections Faulty GFCIs are one of the most common summer hazards near pools and patios. 💡 See our blog: Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips for Summer → 3. HVAC and Cooling Circuit Review Your air conditioner is likely the biggest electrical draw during summer. We’ll inspect: HVAC circuit wiring Disconnect box Breaker capacity Voltage drops when the system powers on We also look for warning signs like dimming lights or buzzing sounds that could indicate overloaded circuits or failing connections. 4. Surge Protection Assessment We check whether your system has adequate protection from lightning or utility surges — which are common during NJ storms. If not, we may recommend a whole-home surge protector , which is installed directly at your panel to shield your entire system. âš¡ Learn more: Why Surge Protection Is Essential in NJ → 5. Grounding and Bonding Verification Proper grounding is key to protecting people and equipment during faults or surges. We verify: Ground rod connections Neutral and ground separation in subpanels Proper bonding of water/gas lines Missing or faulty grounding is a major safety issue — and often goes unnoticed until there’s a serious problem. 6. Smoke Detector and CO Alarm Checks We test hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure: Power supply is stable Batteries are functional Units are still within their service life For families spending more time indoors with windows closed and AC running, reliable CO detection is essential. Where We Offer Inspections in New Jersey Anderson Electric proudly serves: Montclair West Orange Livingston Caldwell Verona Bloomfield And surrounding areas Our licensed electricians know local codes, township regulations, and the unique needs of NJ homes. FAQs: Summer Electrical Inspections in NJ How long does an electrical safety inspection take? Most inspections take 60–90 minutes, depending on the size of your home and system complexity. Do I need one every year? We recommend seasonal inspections — especially before summer and winter, when electrical demand peaks. Is an inspection required by law? Not typically, but if you're selling your home or making upgrades (like a new HVAC system), a current inspection may be required for permitting. What if something fails the inspection? We'll provide a clear report with recommendations. You’re not obligated to make upgrades, but we can complete repairs as needed — often the same day. Will this inspection help with insurance? Yes. Many insurers appreciate proof of proactive maintenance and may lower premiums for updated panels or smoke detectors. Keep Cool and Safe This Summer Your family’s comfort and safety shouldn’t be left to chance. Get ahead of potential issues and enjoy a stress-free season with a professional summer electrical inspection from Anderson Electric. 👉 Book Your Electrical Safety Inspection Today →
Summer storms in New Jersey can knock out your power fast. Learn why now is the right time to install a backup generator with help from Anderson Electric.
Planning outdoor fun this summer in NJ? Learn how to safely use outdoor outlets, lighting, and appliances with expert tips from Anderson Electric.
Protect your New Jersey home from lightning strikes and power surges with a whole-home surge protector. Learn the benefits and how installation works.
Noticing flickering lights or tripped breakers? Discover 5 signs your NJ home needs an electrical panel upgrade — and how Anderson Electric can help.
Get your home’s electrical system ready for summer in Montclair, NJ. Learn expert tips from Anderson Electric to avoid outages, overloads, and safety risks.
