Why Do My Lights Flicker When I Use Appliances?

lights flicker when using appliances

Have you ever noticed your lights flicker the moment you switch on a microwave, washing machine, or space heater? It’s a common problem — but not one to ignore. While sometimes harmless, flickering lights can also hint at deeper electrical issues that need professional attention.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons lights flicker when appliances are in use, when it’s time to call an electrician, and how to keep your home safe and properly powered.

What Causes Lights to Flicker When Appliances Turn On?

1. Temporary Voltage Drops (Minor and Normal)

Many large appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, draw a lot of electricity when they start up. This sudden demand can cause a slight, brief voltage dip, leading to momentary flickering. If it only happens occasionally and lasts less than a second, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

However, consistent or worsening flickering signals something that shouldn’t be ignored.

2. Overloaded Circuits

One of the most common culprits behind flickering lights is an overloaded circuit. When multiple high-demand devices share a single circuit, it strains the electrical system. You might notice lights dimming when your dishwasher and microwave run simultaneously — a clear sign the load may be too much.

If you suspect an overloaded circuit, it’s wise to reach out for professional residential electrical services to assess your home’s wiring and balance the load correctly.

3. Loose Wiring Connections

Loose or corroded wiring connections can cause intermittent flickering that gets worse over time. This isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a fire hazard. Whether it’s a loose connection inside your light fixture, at the switch, or even inside your electrical panel, it’s critical to address wiring issues immediately.

If you live in an older home or notice consistent flickering in a specific area, contacting an electrician in Vancouver can help diagnose the problem safely.

4. Outdated Electrical Panels

Electrical panels installed decades ago often aren’t equipped to handle today’s appliance-heavy homes. If your panel is original to your house and you’re adding EV chargers, smart home devices, or more powerful appliances, you may be pushing it past its limits.

In these cases, a panel upgrade — part of broader electrical maintenance services — can ensure your system supports modern living without the annoying (and dangerous) flickering.

When Should You Worry About Flickering Lights?

Flickering isn’t always a cause for alarm, but certain warning signs mean it’s time to call an expert:

• Flickering gets progressively worse
• Lights dim significantly when appliances run
• Only one room or area flickers
• You notice burning smells or buzzing sounds
• Circuit breakers frequently trip

These symptoms could indicate loose wiring, failing circuits, or overloaded systems — all of which require immediate attention from qualified electricians in North Vancouver or nearby areas.

How an Electrician Diagnoses Flickering Issues

When you bring in a licensed electrician, they don’t just glance at your light fixtures. A thorough diagnosis includes:

• Checking for overloaded circuits
• Inspecting connections inside switches, fixtures, and panels
• Testing the voltage under load
• Examining the health of your electrical panel
• Reviewing appliance start-up demands

At RST Electrical, we take a methodical approach to identify both the surface problem and its root cause, ensuring your home stays safe and your lights stay steady.

Can You Fix Flickering Lights Yourself?

For simple issues, like tightening a loose light bulb, sure. But anything involving wiring, circuits, or your electrical panel is best left to professionals. Attempting DIY repairs on major systems can worsen the problem or create serious safety risks.

Need quick help? You can easily book an electrician online with us, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Preventing Future Flickering Problems

Besides fixing immediate issues, there are steps you can take to prevent flickering in the future:

• Spread Out Appliance Loads: Avoid plugging multiple heavy-load appliances into the same outlet or circuit.
• Upgrade Old Panels: Modern panels are designed to handle today’s appliance demands efficiently.
• Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections: Especially if you’re in a high-demand household or older home.
• Consider Dedicated Circuits for Major Appliances: Many newer homes have separate circuits for things like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines — a service easily installed during new home electrical construction.

These preventive steps will not only keep your lights from flickering but also enhance the overall safety and efficiency of your electrical system.

Local Expertise You Can Trust

Whether you’re in Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam, or West Vancouver, RST Electrical is here to help.
Our experienced team understands local building codes, BC Hydro regulations, and the unique challenges of electrical systems in the Lower Mainland.

From lighting installations to complex circuit repairs, we’ve got you covered with safe, expert service you can count on.

Final Thoughts

If your lights are flickering every time you use an appliance, don’t just brush it off. While some causes are harmless, others pose serious risks to your safety and your home’s integrity.
When in doubt, reach out to trusted professionals who can assess, fix, and future-proof your electrical system.

Ready to stop the flickering for good? Contact RST Electrical today and experience the difference that true expertise makes.