Electricians on call now · 24/7
Lights Flickering or Dimming in Your House?
One fixture is a nuisance. The whole house is a warning
Lights get brighter and dimmer on their own? Turn off electronics and call now.
Quick answer
A single flickering light is usually the bulb, the fixture or a dimmer. When lights flicker or dim across the whole house — or get brighter in some rooms — it can mean a loose connection in the panel, the meter or the service neutral. Xlectrical's licensed electricians (Florida License EC 13014052) answer 24/7 from Sunrise and serve all of Broward County. The emergency service call is $299 and is applied toward the repair.
Fire, smoke or someone shocked? Call 911 first. Whole street dark? Report it to FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE.
Do this right now
- Note whether it's one light, one room or the whole house, and whether it happens when the AC or another large appliance starts.
- For one fixture: try a new bulb rated for the fixture, and check that LED bulbs are dimmer-compatible.
- If lights in some rooms get brighter while others dim, unplug TVs, computers and other electronics and call us immediately.
- Ask a neighbor if their lights are flickering too — if so, report it to FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE.
- If the panel is warm or buzzing, or you smell burning, switch off the main if it's safe and call 754-289-8993.
What the pattern tells you
- One light flickers: a loose bulb, a bulb that isn't dimmer-compatible, a worn switch or dimmer, or a loose connection at the fixture. Usually not urgent.
- Lights dim briefly when the AC or a big appliance starts: some dip is normal as a motor starts. A deep dip, or one that's getting worse, can mean an undersized or loose service connection.
- Lights across the house flicker randomly: a loose connection on the main breaker, the meter can or the service conductors.
- Some rooms dim while others get brighter: a failing neutral on your service. This can push higher-than-normal voltage to half the house and damage electronics and appliances. It's an emergency.
Why South Florida homes see this
Salt air corrodes meter cans and exterior connections near the coast, summer heat and AC loads keep connections cycling between hot and cool, and many Broward homes still have 1960s–1980s panels and aluminum feeders. All of these can loosen connections over time.
FPL's side or ours?
If neighbors see the same flicker, the problem may be on FPL's transformer or lines. If it's only your home, the cause is usually at the meter can, the main breaker or the panel — the homeowner's side. We measure voltage at the meter and the main to tell you which, and if it's FPL's equipment we tell you what to report.
What we do
- Measure voltage on both legs and the neutral at the panel and the meter, under load.
- Check the main breaker, lugs and neutral bar for heat, corrosion and torque.
- Repair or replace failed connections, breakers, switches or fixtures.
- Recommend surge protection if electronics were exposed to high voltage — see whole-home surge protection.
What it costs
The emergency service call is $299 and is applied toward the repair when you approve it. Fixture and switch repairs are usually done on the first visit; meter can or panel work is quoted in writing. See our price list.
Not sure what you're dealing with? See all common electrical emergencies or call our 24/7 emergency electricians.
FAQ
Flickering or Dimming Lights: FAQ
Why do my lights flicker when the AC turns on?
A brief dip as the compressor starts can be normal. If it's a deep dip, it's getting worse or the lights flicker for a long time, have the service connections and the AC circuit checked.
Can flickering lights cause a fire?
The flicker itself doesn't, but the loose connection behind it can overheat. Whole-house flickering should be inspected promptly.
Why are some of my lights brighter than usual?
Lights that get brighter in some rooms while others dim are a classic sign of a failing service neutral. Unplug electronics and call an electrician right away.
Is it FPL's problem or mine?
If neighbors have the same issue, it may be FPL's equipment. If it's only your home, it's usually at the meter can, main breaker or panel. We test both and tell you who needs to fix it.
24/7 Near You
Emergency Electrician by City
24/7 Emergency Line
Licensed Electricians On Call Right Now
Call any time, day or night. We'll walk you through what to do safely and give you an arrival window.
754-289-8993