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Causes of Dim or Flickering Lights

What would cause lights to flicker and go dim then brighter? Common Problems that Cause Dim and Flickering Lights.


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Flickering Light Problem
Electrical Question: What would cause lights to flicker and go dim then brighter?

Please any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Jerry

Background: Jerry, a Homeowner in Ohio.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Jerry.

Dim and Flickering Lights Problem

Application: Electrical Troubleshooting a Dim and Flickering Light Problem.
Skill Level: Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester or Volt Ohm Meter and a Circuit Tracer.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and age of the home, the condition of the electric wiring, and the access to the circuits and wiring to be evaluated.
Precaution: Identify the affected circuit, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring or inspections or electrical repairs. Electrical troubleshooting and repairs requires specific tests of the electrical circuits. Working in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock.
Notice: Repairs to Home Electrical Wiring should be made according to local and national electrical codes. Installing new or replacement electrical wiring may require a permit and inspections.

Common Problems that Cause Dim and Flickering Lights

From what has been described in this electrical question, there are a few possible problems with the electrical wiring of this circuit which I will explain below:

More about Electrical Troubleshooting for Dim and Flickering Lights

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Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered including electrical problems that can cause dim and flickering lights.

Electrical Circuit Breakers
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Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Using Testers to Identify Electrical Problems
digital-tester

Testers to Help Troubleshoot Electrical Problems that Cause Dim and Flickering Lights.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Causes of Dim or Flickering Lights”
  1. Kellee says:

    We have lived in our house 2 weeks,everything electrical worked, there was a power outage 2 days ago and yesterday when I plugged the microwave in the lights flickered then went out. We called the electric company and they looked and said the main breaker was bad. We replaced the breaker. All the lights came on but when I plugged something in an outlet the lights flickered. Now the room closest to breaker box is lit, but the rest of house is dim.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Kellee,
    If the electrical panel has already been checked and tested where they found a possible problem with the main breaker, and you are still having electrical problems, then I would suspect that there could be a problem with the primary side of the electrical service, between the main breaker and the connections to your local electric utility company. Your local electric utility provider should be called, explain the problems, and request that they come out and test their side of your electrical service.
    I hope this helps you,
    Dave