---
title: "What Is Flickering lights? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Flickering lights blink or pulse in brightness, which can come from a loose bulb or a wiring problem in the circuit."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/flickering-lights
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Wiring and circuits

# Flickering lights

Flickering lights blink or pulse in brightness, which can come from a loose bulb or a wiring problem in the circuit.

Flicker has many causes. A loose or mismatched bulb is the simplest one. A dimmer that does not suit an [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led) bulb is another. But flicker across many fixtures, or flicker with warm outlets or a burning smell, can point to a loose connection or a failing circuit.

ESFI lists flickering or dimming lights among signs of a serious wiring problem. If it happens in more than one room or with other symptoms, stop and call a licensed electrician. See [LED bulbs that flicker or buzz](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/blog/led-bulbs-flicker-or-buzz) and [dimming lights](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dimming-lights).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Dimming lights](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dimming-lights)
-   [Hot outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/hot-outlet)
-   [Buzzing outlet](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/buzzing-outlet)
-   [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led)

## Sources

1.  [Electrical Safety Foundation International: Electrical Warning Signs](https://www.esfi.org/electrical-warning-signs-video-short/)
2.  [U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Repairing Aluminum Wiring](https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/516.pdf)

TECL #21005 · Family owned since 1988

## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)