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Flickering lights? When it's the bulb and when it's the wiring

General home information from Prufloop. Updated October 28, 2026.

What you can safely check

• Tighten the bulb (with the switch off) or swap in a different bulb.
• If it's an LED on a dimmer, check that the bulb is labeled dimmable and the dimmer is LED-rated.
• Notice whether the flicker is one fixture, one room, or the whole house.
• Notice whether lights dim when the AC, dryer or microwave starts.

When to call a electrician

• Flicker in more than one room
• Lights dim or brighten when big appliances start
• A switch or fixture is warm or buzzing
• You smell burning

What a electrician will usually do

• Checks connections in the fixture, switch and panel
• Tests voltage and the neutral connection
• Coordinates with the utility if the problem is on their side

Asking an AI assistant to book it

Once Prufloop launches (planned for Q4 2026 around Charlotte), you'll be able to ask the AI assistant you use something like this, and it can book a verified pro at a posted price in a real open slot. This is how it's planned to work; no assistant is connected yet.

Before a job is booked, you see the pro's posted price, including any trip or diagnostic fee. Anything extra needs your OK first. When the work is done, you confirm it's fixed with a quick text. That's Proof of Done™.

Questions

Related electrical problems

• Breaker keeps tripping?
• Outlet not working?
• Burning smell from an outlet or switch?
• Installing a home EV charger: what you need to know
• Electrical around Charlotte

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Conditions vary by home. When in doubt, and always for gas, electrical or anything that feels unsafe, have a licensed professional inspect it.