6 Ways to Fix a Flickering Light Bulb
Updated: Jun. 26, 2024
Have a broken light but don't know why it doesn't work? Get to the bottom of it! Follow these tips on how to fix a light that just stopped working.
If it’s Halloween, a flickering light bulb is a great decoration, but otherwise, it’s a minor annoyance. There could be several different causes, so while it’s often an easy fix, you need to do some troubleshooting to find the source of the issue. We’ll walk you through some of the most common causes and how to fix them.
Check Basic Settings and Bulb Quality First
A flickering light bulb could be caused by any number of things. So, when you’re troubleshooting, start with the easy stuff and make sure you don’t overlook anything. Is the light switch turned to the on position? With some lights, especially those with in-line switches or roller-type switches, it can be difficult to tell for certain. Test out the switch and make sure it is working properly.
Then, do a cursory check of the bulb itself. Is it loose or rattling in the socket? You may have the wrong type of bulb, or it may not be screwed in all the way. This is also a good time to take out the bulb and give it the shake test. Many incandescent bulbs will make a light tinkle sound while still alive. However, a deeper, more obvious tinkle indicates the bulb has burnt out.
If it’s a clear incandescent bulb, you can look at the filament directly to see if it is broken. LED and fluorescent bulbs won’t rattle when they die, so this method has limited uses.
Take a Look at Other Appliances
Next, check other electrical appliances in the vicinity. If nothing appears to turn on or light up, one of your breakers for that section of the house probably flipped. Breakers tend to flip if a section is under unusual strain, such as by running multiple energy-hungry appliances simultaneously. If it’s in the middle of the day, you may not notice if other electronics stop working, so it’s a good idea to quickly check to make sure there’s nothing wrong with the room itself.
Unscrew the Bulb and Check the Socket
Does the socket look burnt or damaged? If it does, you may be using the wrong type of bulb, or the socket itself may need to be replaced. Correctly replacing the socket requires a little electrical experience, but with the right safety precautions, it can be a DIY project.
If this flickering light bulb has been a frequent issue, take a look at how well the bulb fits into the socket. Sometimes tabs or positions make the bulb base have an uncertain contact point with the socket. Making some small adjustments here can have a big difference. Remember to take safety precautions whenever working with sockets. Make sure the power to the light is turned off before you search for how to fix a light.
Have a Cord? Check the Outlet
If your flickering light bulb is part of a fixture that plugs into an outlet, turn your attention to that outlet. If the lamp works on another outlet in the same room, then the problem probably lies with the outlet itself, not your light. Some outlets are GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt), which may shut down if they detect moisture (as may happen in a kitchen or bathroom).
These outlets can be reset. If a traditional outlet isn’t working, the problem is likely connected to outlet wiring or wiring in your walls. This is a more worrisome issue since it raises the possibility of an electrical fire. Seek a professional inspection if an outlet suddenly stops working.
Check the Wiring
If the bulb itself seems fine, it’s time to check the wiring for your switches, sockets and outlets to see if there’s an internal problem. You can buy various circuit testers online that make it easy to check voltage and see what wires are performing correctly and which are showing problems. If you feel uneasy with this kind of wire testing, call a professional. An electrician can quickly test your light fixture and see if any wires need to be further examined for failure.
Check the Ballast
This tip applies to fluorescent lights, especially the traditional tubes that depend on large ballasts or devices that moderate the electrical current that runs through the gas in the fluorescent bulb. When the ballast beaks down because of wear and tear, the fluorescent bulb will stop working. In this case, a new bulb will not work in its place. The solution is a brand-new ballast. Make sure that you buy the right type and brand of ballast for your light, and check with a professional if you have any questions.
