Immediate Help If Your Light Flickers When Switched On

If you’ve ever thought, why does my light flicker when I turn it on, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common issues Aussie homeowners experience. At East Coast Sparkies, we help locals across Queensland diagnose flickering lights and get safe, long-term solutions fast.

Call us on 0420 750 752 or book online for expert fault finding and lighting repairs.

Why Does My Light Flicker When I Turn It On? Let’s Break It Down

You might be switching on a light and seeing a momentary flicker. Or maybe the light flashes several times before settling, or keeps blinking sporadically. The question why does my light flicker when I turn it on can point to a few different electrical faults.

Let’s look at the most common causes we see across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Loose Bulbs or Poor Bulb Fitting

Before panicking, make sure the bulb is screwed in tightly. Loose bulbs, especially in older bayonet or Edison fittings, can lead to flickering when first powered.

If you’re using LED bulbs (which we always recommend), make sure they’re high-quality Australian-compliant products.

See our LED Lighting Upgrades

Faulty Light Switches

A worn-out or faulty switch is a major cause when clients ask us why does my light flicker when I turn it on. You might feel a delay or even hear a small crackle when you flick it.

If that’s the case, replacing the switch is a quick and cost-effective fix we can do on-site.

Explore Our General Electrical Services

Incompatible Dimmer Switches

Using older dimmers with modern LED lights can cause flickering. Many dimmers are not LED-compatible and cause unstable voltage supply to the bulb.

That’s why we recommend Australian-made, LED certified dimmers for all installations.

Learn More About Switch & Power Point Installations

Wiring Issues or Loose Connections

This is the most serious reason people ask why does my light flicker when I turn it on. If your wiring is old, corroded or loose, your safety is at risk.

We’ve seen too many homes with DIY wiring disasters or outdated cabling. Book an inspection to ensure your home wiring is compliant with Australian standards.

Check Out Our Electrical Fault Finding Services

Overloaded Circuits or Voltage Fluctuations

If your lights flicker alongside appliances turning on like your air con or washing machine  it’s likely a voltage drop. This can be caused by overloaded circuits or a weak supply.

A switchboard upgrade or load-balancing fix can solve this.

View Our Switchboard Services

Is Flickering Dangerous?

Yes, in some cases. A persistent flicker may be a sign of a serious issue especially if it’s paired with buzzing sounds, heat from the switch, or light discoloration.

So when clients ask why does my light flicker when I turn it on, we take it seriously every time.

Our licensed electricians assess every possibility:

• Safety switch performance

• Wiring integrity

• LED compatibility

• Load testing

Your safety is our top priority.

Services We Offer When Lights Flicker

When you ask why does my light flicker when I turn it on, you’ll be glad to know East Coast Sparkies has every service to fix it permanently.

Here’s what we offer:

• Lighting Installations

• Switchboard Upgrades

• LED Lighting Upgrades

• Safety Switch Testing

• Smoke Alarm Installation

• Power Point Installation

• Ceiling Fan Installation

• General Fault Finding

• Emergency Electrical Services

All services are performed with Australian-approved materials and full compliance with AS/NZS 3000 wiring standards.

Why Locals Trust East Coast Sparkies

When you’re wondering why does my light flicker when I turn it on, we don’t just give you answers, We give you peace of mind.

Here’s why East Coast Sparkies is your go to team:

• Over 12 years of local electrical experience

• Licensed and insured master electricians

• Transparent quotes and no hidden costs

• Only use Australian made electrical products

• Fast response across the Gold Coast and Brisbane

Our reputation is built on trust, reliability, and safety.

Real Customer Scenario: Flickering Lights in Burleigh Waters

A homeowner called us asking, why does my light flicker when I turn it on, especially in the evenings.

After a full inspection:

• We found a loose terminal in the ceiling rose

• The dimmer was not LED compatible

• Their smoke alarm was also overdue for upgrade

We replaced the terminal, installed a new Clipsal dimmer, and upgraded the smoke alarms to comply with QLD 2022 regulations.

Problem solved safely and quickly.

Spot the Signs Early

Here are the most common symptoms to watch for: