Worried About Flickering Lights? 5 Common Causes & When Littleton Homeowners Should Be Concerned

5 Common Causes of Flickering Lights in Littleton Homes

There are several reasons why your lights may be flickering. Some are minor, but others can indicate major electrical hazards. Here are the most common causes:

1. Overloaded Circuits

If your lights flicker when you turn on a major appliance—like an air conditioner, heater, or refrigerator—your circuit might be overloaded. Large appliances require a significant amount of power, and if your electrical system isn’t designed to handle it, you could experience dimming or flickering lights.

Solution: A professional electrician can assess your electrical panel and recommend necessary upgrades to handle modern energy demands.

2. Loose or Faulty Wiring

Outdated or damaged wiring is one of the leading causes of electrical fires. If the flickering lights are happening randomly—without any major appliances running—loose wiring connections could be the culprit. Over time, electrical wires can degrade, loosen, or become exposed, increasing the risk of sparks or overheating.

 Solution: If you live in an older home in Littleton, it may be time for an electrical inspection. At Top Shelf Electric, Heating, & Plumbing, we check for frayed wires, loose connections, and outdated systems to ensure your home is safe.

3. Voltage Fluctuations

Does your TV screen flicker or do your LED lights dim and brighten unpredictably? Voltage fluctuations can be a sign of serious electrical issues, including problems with your power supply, faulty wiring, or an overloaded electrical panel.

 Solution: A professional electrician can measure your home’s voltage levels and determine whether you need a panel upgrade or whole-home surge protection.

4. Problems With the Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. If it’s outdated, damaged, or struggling to handle your energy demands, it can cause flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or even electrical failures.

5. External Power Supply Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn’t inside your home—it’s coming from your utility provider. If your entire neighborhood experiences flickering lights, the power grid could be unstable.

Could a Backup Generator Help?

If you experience frequent power fluctuations, outages, or voltage dips, a backup generator can protect your home. Installing a whole-home generator ensures that your essential appliances, lights, and security systems stay powered during electrical disturbances.

How a Backup Generator Helps:

Choosing the Right Generator for Your Home

Not all backup generators are created equal. Our electricians at Top Shelf Electric, Heating, & Plumbing can help you choose the right generator based on your power needs. We offer:

• Standby Generators: Automatically power your home during an outage.
• Portable Generators: Cost-effective solutions for temporary power.
• Whole-Home Surge Protection: Protects sensitive electronics from power fluctuations.

If you’re considering a backup generator installation in Littleton, contact us for expert recommendations.

When to Call a Professional Electrician

While some flickering light issues might be minor, others require immediate attention. Call an electrician if:

Your lights flicker frequently or unpredictably.
You notice a burning smell from outlets or switches.
Your breakers trip often or your electrical panel is buzzing.
Flickering happens throughout your entire house.

At Top Shelf Electric, Heating, & Plumbing, we provide fast, reliable electrical services in Littleton and surrounding areas. Our licensed electricians are equipped to handle everything from panel upgrades to whole-home rewiring.

Schedule an Electrical Inspection Today!

Don’t ignore flickering lights—they could be warning you of serious electrical hazards. Whether you need electrical repairs, panel upgrades, or a backup generator installation, we’re here to help.

Call Top Shelf Electric, Heating, & Plumbing today to schedule an electrical inspection or generator consultation!