These are the causes our electricians find most often in NYC apartments, brownstones and commercial spaces.
Wiring and connections in older buildings corrode and loosen over time. A loose or corroded connection heats up and can start a fire, so this cause should be treated as dangerous until an electrician has checked it.
Many LED bulbs and fixtures flicker on dimmers that were made for older incandescent bulbs. If the flicker is only on a dimmed light, the dimmer and bulb may simply not be compatible.
Every circuit needs a good neutral wire to return current. When the neutral is missing, loose or corroded, lights can flicker, dim or brighten, especially when other appliances turn on.
Flickering together with a burning smell, buzzing, a warm switch or outlet, scorch marks or sparks means a connection may be overheating.
If there is any sign of danger, such as a burning smell, smoke, sparks, heat, buzzing, scorch marks or damaged wires, call NGM Electric right away at (718) 304-5045. If there is smoke or fire, leave and call 911 first.
Most flickering problems are found and fixed during a standard service call: $295 for the first hour of diagnosis or repair and $110 for each additional hour. Emergency service is $450 for the first hour.
If the cause turns out to be old wiring throughout the apartment, we explain what we found and quote any larger work upfront. See wiring replacement.
It can be. A dimmer that does not match the bulbs is not dangerous, but corroded or loose wiring and bad neutral connections can overheat. If flickering comes with a burning smell, buzzing, heat or sparks, call an electrician right away, and call 911 first if there is smoke or fire.
Many dimmers were designed for incandescent bulbs and do not work smoothly with LEDs. Replacing the dimmer with one rated for your LED bulbs usually solves it.
A brief dip can be normal, but lights that dim sharply or flicker when appliances start can point to a loose or corroded neutral or an overloaded circuit, which should be checked.
NGM Electric service calls are $295 for the first hour and $110 for each additional hour. Many flickering problems are fixed within that first visit.
Ask our assistant any time, or call a licensed NGM electrician. NYC DOB Licensed Electrical Firm #4876, serving Brooklyn and Manhattan since 2011.