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August 04,2022

Flickering Lights or Tripping Breakers? What Your Home’s Telling You

Unless you've deliberately installed strobe lights, your lighting should either be on or off - not flickering. Similarly, circuit breakers should trip off if there's unusual or unsafe activity in respective circuits. If they are constantly tripping back off after each time you reset them, then those circuit breakers are likely faulty - or there's an underlying chronic electrical issue that needs to be addressed.

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we’ll explore why lights flicker, why breakers keep tripping, and why these issues can signal real danger. We’ll explain what may be happening, why ignoring it isn’t a good idea, and how professional electrical service can help restore safety and peace of mind.

If you're looking for uniformed and certified electricians to investigate your electrical concerns, then consider the uniformed professionals at Mr. Electric. As a licensed and insured company, Mr. Electric offers premium service and a valuable peace of mind. We service commercial and residential properties alike.

Flickering Lights Are More Than Annoying

Flickering lights can feel like a minor annoyance, but there's often more going on behind the scenes. If your lights are turning your space into a rave scene, then your electrical system may be experiencing:

  • Loose or Damaged Wiring: Intermittent power flow leads to flickering whenever power jumps across a gap. Over time, this can damage wiring and even cause a fire.
  • Faulty Bulbs or Sockets: A malfunctioning bulb or worn-out socket can also flicker.
  • Overloaded Circuits: Your lights might blink as the system struggles to supply enough power.
  • Voltage Fluctuations: Whether due to heavy grid load or nearby construction, voltage changes can cause lights to dim or flash unexpectedly.

To be clear, there's not much reason to worry about flickering lights once in a blue moon. When flickering lights become frequent, however, it’s time to get help. A flickering light repair is quick and affordable when you choose Mr. Electric. Call now to hire a local electrician.

Constantly Tripping Breakers Can Signal An Emergency

Circuit breakers are built to trip when something’s wrong, but it's a serious red flag when a breaker won’t stay on after you reset it. Common culprits include:

  • Faulty Breaker Mechanism: If a breaker trips immediately after being reset, then it might be worn out or damaged.
  • Defective Circuit Wiring: A short circuit, for instance, automatically trips the breaker. If resetting doesn’t resolve it, then a deeper wiring or connection issue is likely present.
  • Ground Faults: A breaker may trip if electricity escapes the intended path (neutral) and finds a shortcut (ground). This is a protective measure that needs investigation.
  • Overloading the Circuit: If a breaker trips only when you use high-draw appliances like an air conditioner or space heater, then you could be overloading the circuit. It may need rewiring or redistribution of loads.

Do NOT try to force open a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. There is a serious risk of electrical fire in these cases, and it's always advisable to hire a certified electrician. That's quick and affordable when you choose Mr. Electric. We offer emergency service and upfront price quotes BEFORE the work begins.

Why Time is of the Essence

If your lights are flickering or breakers are misbehaving, then don't wait! Arrange an inspection or repair as soon as possible, because:

  • Loose connections or damaged circuits can overheat and start fires.
  • Fluctuating power can ruin sensitive electronics or appliances.
  • Small issues often grow into bigger and costlier repairs.
  • Damaged wiring in a rental or commercial property can lead to tenant injuries or insurance problems.

Want to avoid outages, alarms, broken electronics, or safety issues? Start with a simple phone call. Contact Mr. Electric to consult with a member of our team and let us know what's wrong. We can have an electrician dispatched to your home or business as soon as possible.