How to Handle Flickering Lights Caused by Your Switchboard

If you’ve ever sat under a flickering light, you’ll know how distracting and downright annoying it can be. Sometimes it’s just a loose globe, but persistent or widespread flickering often points to switchboard issues. The challenge for homeowners is knowing whether it’s harmless or something more serious that requires the help of a licensed electrician.

When Flickering Lights Require Immediate Action

Safety first – let’s get the serious stuff out of the way. While some flickering is harmless, certain red flags mean you need to act immediately. These include:

• Noticing a burning smell
• Seeing sparks near outlets
• Switches, power points or dimmer switches are hot to touch

If you experience any of the above, you’re dealing with more than a minor nuisance, and it's time to call in a professional. If it’s safe to do so, switch off the main power at your switchboard while you wait for your electrician.

If it's widespread flickering across multiple rooms or lights that cut in and out, then you most likely have a switchboard fault. On the other hand, if it's just a single light flickering, the light bulb may be the problem. If you're not comfortable replacing the bulb yourself, schedule a non-urgent inspection instead of calling for emergency help.

Signs Pointing to Switchboard Issues

Do you have an old fuse-style switchboard? Surprisingly, these are still common in many Australian homes built before the 1990s, and they're a common culprit for flickering lights. These older boards often struggle to keep up with the power demands of modern households filled with high-consumption appliances.

Another frequent cause is overloaded circuits. If lights flicker whenever you turn on the oven, air conditioner, or multiple devices at once, that’s a sign your electrical load may not be coping. Worn or damaged wiring behind the board can also cause inconsistent connections. Other warning signs are buzzing sounds, scorch marks, or breakers that trip frequently.

Sometimes, it's faulty wiring or loose connections showing similar symptoms, such as flickering across multiple rooms, outlets that feel warm to the touch or lights dimming when larger appliances cycle on.

Often, a switchboard upgrade is required. Modern switchboards built to Australian electrical standards are designed to minimise these risks. Conversely, older or poorly maintained switchboards don’t offer the same level of protection. If you recognise any of these issues, it’s time to have a licensed electrician take a closer look to fix flickering lights.

Quick Checks You Can Do Right Now

Start by paying attention to patterns. Does the flickering happen only when the air conditioner, heater, or multiple appliances are running at once? That could mean it's a load issue rather than a single faulty fitting.

Seasonal factors also play a role. In Australia, it's usually heavy storms or peak summer demand that causes temporary dips in power supply, which can make lights flicker more often.

Or, if the issue started right after installing a new appliance or upgrading equipment, that’s also worth noting. You can share these insights with your electrician and help them diagnose the issue faster.

Complex Electrical Problems Beyond DIY

When dealing with electrics, most problems simply should not be attempted with DIY fixes. Flickering lights may seem minor, and sometimes are, but often the cause lies far beyond a loose bulb or overloaded power board. In fact, sometimes the cause is outside of your control altogether.

One example is voltage fluctuations at the street level, which are supply issues coming directly from the grid. This means that only your utility company can resolve this. However, besides this, a professional electrician will be able to fix all your flickering lights issues, some of which include:

• Faulty light switches (including faulty dimmer switches)
• Deeper wiring problems (such as loose wiring)
• Outdated switchboards

These issues are hidden behind walls (or switchboards) and require a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair safely. If the problem is not due to any of the above, flickering may be traced back to electrical interference from certain heavy-duty appliances, such as microwaves and air fryers. These place sudden demand on your home’s electrical system.

If you’ve already ruled out the simple checks and flickering remains, the issue is beyond a DIY solution. As such, the smartest and, most importantly, safest step is to call in a professional

The Safety Risks of Ignoring Flickering Lights

As we stress, the main reason you should not attempt DIY with flickering lights is safety. Again, it's electrics we're dealing with here. And in a worst-case scenario, faulty electrics can create serious electrical hazards, including fires. In fact, there are real case examples in Australia where faulty wiring and overloaded switchboards have been linked to house fires.

There’s also the risk of electric shock, particularly when faulty switches or outlets are running hot.
Additionally, flickering also shortens the lifespan of appliances and can cause costly damage to electronics by exposing them to repeated power fluctuations. And if you attempt to fix or simply ignore these problems, it can impact your insurance claim if an incident occurs. Insurers often require evidence of regular maintenance and compliance with electrical safety standards, and if they see an issue caused as a result of negligence or your attempt at DIY, your claims can be rejected.

In short, occasional flickering lights aren’t just annoying; they’re a warning sign for your entire electrical system that shouldn’t be ignored.

What Wollongong Homeowners Need to Know About Switchboard Upgrades

As we primarily operate within the Wollongong region, there are some specific things you must be aware of to keep your switchboards up to current Australian standards. If you reside in the Illawarra region, chances are your home still runs on outdated fuse boxes, which, as we've discussed, simply aren’t equipped to handle today’s power demands or the safety regulations.

A proper upgrade ensures your switchboard includes safety switches (RCDs). RCDs are legally required in all new installations and major electrical upgrades. While older homes aren’t required to retrofit them unless circuits are modified, adding them significantly improves safety. These devices trip instantly in the event of a fault, protecting your family from electric shock. Moving away from old fuse-style systems also reduces the risk of fires caused by overloaded or deteriorating circuits. Most of all, new switchboards provide peace of mind.

Here are the common signs that your current switchboard doesn't meet modern safety standards:

• Doesn’t include frequently tripping circuit breakers
• Buzzing sounds
• Discoloured fuses
• Lack of RCDs altogether
• Loose electrical wiring faults

Even if things appear to be running smoothly, it can't hurt to schedule preventive maintenance or an upgrade to save you from sudden, expensive faults down the track. After all, a switchboard upgrade is a straightforward process that can often be completed within a day. It’s one of the smartest investments you can make for both safety and a fully functioning home.

Costs & What to Expect from a Professional Inspection

When flickering lights keep coming back even after you’ve ruled out simple fixes, it's often underlying electrical issues within your main electrical panel or wiring. A professional inspection is the safest way to confirm the cause and ensure the flickering stops for good.

In Wollongong, the cost of an inspection typically starts from around $150–$300, depending on the property size and complexity of the system. If your switchboard needs an upgrade, you can expect prices to range between $800 and $2,500, depending on whether you’re replacing an old fuse box, adding more capacity for modern appliances, or installing the latest safety switches and RCDs.

Here's what to expect during the inspection: a licensed electrician will:

• Assess your switchboard
• Check for loose connections
• Test circuits under load
• Look for signs of overheating
• Check ageing components

This process helps determine whether the issue is minor or a serious fault requiring urgent repair or upgrade. Just make sure that when choosing an electrician in Wollongong, you look for licensing, insurance, and experience with switchboard replacements. It’s also worth asking about warranties on parts and workmanship, as well as whether follow-up support is provided if problems reappear.

Protecting Your Wollongong Home from Electrical Risks

The key takeaway: flickering lights, burning smells, and hot switches are clear warning signs you should never ignore. Professional help ensures your home stays safe and compliant, while preventive maintenance keeps you prepared for Wollongong’s seasonal demands. It's just not worth risking your family’s safety or your property. Schedule a switchboard inspection or upgrade today with Easther Electrical. Peace of mind starts with a safe, reliable electrical system.

FAQs

Should I call an electrician for flickering lights?

Yes, if a light fixture keeps flickering or multiple rooms flicker, it’s best to call a licensed electrician.

Can a flickering light cause an electrical fire?

Yes, faulty wiring behind a light fixture can overheat and lead to an electrical fire if ignored.

Do flickering lights indicate an electrical problem?

Often, yes. When lights start flickering, it may signal underlying electrical issues in your main switchboard or wiring.

What should you do if your lights are flickering?

Turn off the affected light fixture, check if multiple rooms flicker, and contact an electrician if the issue persists.