Flickering lights

Few things irritate in quite the same way as a light that flickers or just doesn't behave the way it should. However, these problems can be more than a minor inconvenience. Sometimes they can be a sign of a more serious electrical problem. This reader writes: 

"The overhead light in my bedroom keeps flickering. It doesn't happen every time I turn it on but it just seems to flicker sometimes for no reason. I've tried replacing the bulbs but that didn't work."

Usually a flickering bulb is due to the bulb being loose or needing replacement. Simply tightening or replacing the bulb will fix the problem in those cases. If that isn't the cause then the problem becomes much trickier.

If there is flickering or dimming when an appliance turns on, then the problem could be an overloaded circuit. A short term solution would be to find another circuit to plug the appliance into. If that isn't an option, or a more permanent solution is desired; the circuit will need to be upgraded to handle the amount of power being used. If a large number of lights flicker, such as all the lights in an entire room or lights in adjacent rooms, there could be a loose connection in the electrical panel or somewhere else. If this is the case then electricity is arching (jumping) over the gaps. This is a very serious problem and can cause fires.

If the problem is more than a loose or damaged bulb then calling a licensed electrician is the best course of action. Replacing a circuit or electrical panel isn't likely to be a cheap repair but it's much less expensive than recovering from a fire.