5 Potential Reasons Your Ceiling Fan Light Flickers
Find the cause and fix the mood in your room
Highlights
A flickering ceiling fan light indicates a problem that could be dangerous.
Some issues, like loose or improper bulbs, require only a simple DIY fix.
Fixing a faulty switch or overloaded circuit requires electrical knowledge.
If you suspect the issue is faulty wiring, turn off the circuit and call a pro.
Whether it's a subtle blink or a rapid strobe, a flickering ceiling fan light is not normal. Flickering lights can indicate various problems ranging from simple issues to serious hazards. This guide offers some simple troubleshooting advice to help you identify why your ceiling fan light flickers and determine the best course of action to solve it, whether on your own or by hiring a pro.
1. Loose or Improper Bulbs
Before you try anything else, one of the simplest solutions to flickering ceiling fan lights is to check for a loose bulb. Vibrations from normal fan operation can loosen a bulb. Try turning off the light, letting it cool, and screwing each bulb in so that it sits tightly enough in its socket.
Flickering can also result from other bulb problems, including:
Fluorescent bulbs: These may flicker randomly, but not consistently, due to temperature changes and other everyday factors. Try switching to LED bulbs instead.
Dimmer incompatibility: If your fan light is on a dimmer switch and you're using non-compatible LED bulbs, they may flicker. Try swapping your bulbs for some with dimmer capabilities that are also compatible with your dimmer model.
It’s important to know how to choose the right types of ceiling lights and the proper bulbs for each.
2. Faulty Switch
Problems with the wall switch for your ceiling fan light can lead to connectivity issues and flickering lights. The switch could be worn out, defective, or have loose connections.
You can check this yourself if you have basic electrical experience. First, wiggle the wall switch gently to check if it's loose and whether it evokes a flicker. If you don't notice either problem, cut power to the light's circuit, remove the switch plate, and inspect the switch receptacle for loose or damaged wiring. You can also call a licensed electrician to handle the job safely.
3. Overloaded Circuit
When your ceiling fan light flickers, pay attention to which other appliances are operating simultaneously. If there are other appliances on the same circuit as the light, they can cause voltage drops or fluctuations as they all draw power. This may cause your light to flicker only occasionally, such as when an air conditioner kicks on.
If you suspect this is the issue, consider redistributing the load onto different circuits. You can also hire an electrician to install additional circuits as needed.
4. Temporary Outage
A flickering ceiling fan light may not indicate a problem in your home. If there is a brief power outage or service issue in your area, lights may continue to flicker even after the power comes back on. This can result from the power company attempting to clear faults in a nearby power line. In cases like this, the problem may resolve itself in a short time.
5. Faulty Wiring
If you've considered the other potential causes and still haven't identified the reason for your flickering ceiling fan light, wiring may be the issue. Loose, worn, or damaged wiring may cause arcing, which is when the current attempts to jump over gaps. Arcing disrupts the steady flow of electricity and can lead to flickering lights. It can also cause sparks and create a fire hazard.
If you suspect a wiring problem, turn off the light’s circuit breaker and call an electrician as soon as possible. Inspecting the wiring requires specific electrical experience and may involve knowledge of how to wire a ceiling fan if a repair or replacement is needed. An electrician or light fixture installer near you will have the expertise to safely handle your flickering light issue.