Why Is My Chandelier Flickering? Here’s What You Need to Know

Nothing throws off the elegant beauty of a chandelier like a pesky, flickering light. “Why are my lights flickering?” is a common question, but it’s nevertheless a very frustrating issue to have. Flickering lights can take away from the ambiance of an otherwise well-lit room, and they might discourage you from switching on that fixture altogether. In this guide, we’ll break down common causes for flickering lights in your chandelier and provide a few tips on solving the issue.

Aging Fixtures and Wiring

If you have an older chandelier fixture that’s begun to flicker, it could be a sign that something in the whole assembly is deteriorating. This can range from loose bulb mounts on the fixture itself to loosened wire connections somewhere between the switch and the light. It could also be the wires themselves, which can sometimes break as they get older. 

You can try to assess this issue yourself by taking a look at all the accessible wiring between your switch and your chandelier to look for loose connections or breaking wires. You can also inspect the bulb mounts to see if they’re becoming loose or damaged. Be sure to safely turn the power off before attempting any electrical troubleshooting, and don’t be afraid to come up with some questions to ask an electrician about your flickering chandelier if you’re not sure where to start.

Dimmer Switch Incompatibility

If your chandelier is connected to a dimmer switch, it could be to blame for the annoying flickering phenomenon. If you’re not using the right light bulbs in the fixture for a dimmer switch, it can lead to flickering when the dimmer isn’t set to full brightness. Double-check the types of bulbs in the chandelier, and consider changing them out for ones that are compatible with your dimmer.

Dips and Surges in Current

If you’ve ever looked into how to wire a chandelier with multiple lights, you know how power-hungry these fixtures can be. Their sheer size tends to mean they draw a lot of current from your home. This high-current demand can sometimes cause dips and surges in voltage to the bulbs, making them dim, brighten, and flicker. You might need to contact an electrician to help you set up your chandelier’s wiring to draw the right current from your home.

Flickering Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs tend to flicker a lot more than modern LEDs or classic incandescent or halogen bulbs. If you find their flickering nature to be a bit annoying, it could be a simple matter of replacing the bulbs with something that provides a steadier light—much cheaper than footing the bill for an all-new chandelier installation cost.

Loose Bulbs

Sometimes, the source of your chandelier’s frustrating flickering is nothing more than a loose bulb or two. If this is the case, it’s an incredibly easy fix. Turn off the fixture at the wall switch and allow the bulbs to cool, then go around and gently tighten each one by hand—simple as that.

Circuit Overload and Voltage Fluctuations

If you notice your chandelier is only flickering when running certain appliances, such as a refrigerator or a washing machine, it could mean that the circuit is overloaded or that the voltage is fluctuating too much. 

A little fluctuation is nothing to worry about, but anything above or below the standard range of 115 to 225 volts is a sign of a problem. You can check your home’s power output yourself with a multimeter, though fixing the problem itself is probably best left to an electrician.

Risks of a Flickering Chandelier

If you’re noticing that your chandelier’s lights are consistently flickering, and you’ve confirmed that the problem isn’t a simple matter such as loose or incompatible lightbulbs, it might be cause for concern. Something as simple as a loose or corroded wiring connection can become a hazard over time—faulty wires can generate heat and even become a fire risk if left unaddressed. 

If you’re not able to pinpoint the source of the problem yourself, we always recommend referring to a list of who to call for electrical problems. These experts can help fix the issue quickly and safely, providing much-needed peace of mind and an end to that annoying flickering!

How to Fix a Flickering Chandelier

Depending on the source of your chandelier’s flickering, you will have to consider a few different options to repair it. It’s probably not necessary to replace the fixture itself unless it’s very old, meaning you likely won’t have to worry about paying for an all-new chandelier. If it’s a simple matter of bulb incompatibility (such as issues with fluorescent bulbs or your dimmer switch), this should be a quick fix that will only run you the cost of some replacement bulbs. 

However, if the problem lies somewhere in your light’s wiring or your home’s overall power supply, it’s often best to get in touch with a local light fixture company. Depending on the nature of your problem, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 in labor costs to an electrical expert.