Why does my ceiling fan light flash?

Ceiling fans produce vibrations when operating, so if the light bulbs are loose or not screwed in all the way the lights may flash on and off. Check the light bulbs to see if they are loose or they wiggle while in the socket. Gently but firmly screw the light bulb into the socket if it is found to be loose.

What does it mean when the light flickers after turned off?





Loose wiring is the most serious reason for flickering lights and a main cause of house fires. Shut off the light at the circuit breaker before removing the fixture to double check the wiring. If the fixture looks like it might be loose or insecure, it’s time to call an electrician.

How can you tell if a ceiling fan light is bad?

Inspect the Ceiling Fan Light Sockets

  1. Look inside of the light bulb socket to make sure there are no burn marks or charred spots.
  2. If you see black or burned areas, this may be a sign that your ceiling fan light kit has a wiring issue.
  3. If things look good, return light bulbs that are in working order into their sockets.

How do you fix a blinking ceiling light?

Wiggle the switch gently to see if it evokes a flicker; if yes, simply replace it to stop the strobe light effect. The issue could also arise from a loose connection between the plug and the outlet. Unplug your lamp, adjust the metal prongs, and then plug it back in.

Can flickering lights cause a fire?

Yes, flickering lights can be a warning sign that there is a fire hazard in your home. When lights flicker all over the house and are not associated with a large or major appliance, such as an air conditioner, turning on it could mean that there is an issue with the wiring, which could cause a fire.

What causes LED lights to blink on and off?





What makes LED lights flicker? Well… put simply, LEDs flicker when their light output fluctuates. This fluctuation happens because your dimmable light-emitting diodes are designed to switch on and off at very high speed.

Should I worry if my lights flicker?

As a general rule, it’s not a good idea to ignore flickering or other variations in your home electrical service. Even if the flickering seems harmless, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue with your electrical wiring that could present a dangerous fire hazard to your home.

Can flicking the lights on and off start a fire?

Minor changes in your home’s voltage are normal, but flickering lights may indicate abnormal fluctuations. Abrupt changes in voltage from low to high can damage electronics and in rare cases cause an electrical fire.

Can turning a light on and off cause a fire?

When this happens, a small spark on the electrical contacts will be emitted whenever you turn the light on and off. Soon the contacts won’t meet properly, and electricity will flow more freely, creating heat. Again, this is a fire risk.

Can a light bulb start a fire?



Lightbulbs can become very hot and if not used properly can ignite a fire.

How do most electrical fires start?

Electrical fires originate in electric wires, cables, circuit breakers, and within electrical components. Fires start in electrical panels from overloaded circuits or age of the panel. The panel and circuits become overloaded when the distribution of electricity is inadequate.

What are the signs of an electrical fire?

You’ll know if your home is in danger of an electrical fire if you see (or smell) these signs:

  • Circuit breaker keeps tripping.
  • Persisting burnt smell with no identifiable source.
  • Several discolored or charred outlets and switches.
  • You have old, outdated wiring.


Are ceiling fans fire hazards?

Wobbly & Shaky Ceiling Fans – Yes, a ceiling fan can cause a fire if it’s allowed to run at a high setting while shaking in its mount. If your fan isn’t secure, it could come loose and expose electrical wiring. Ceiling fans can quickly become a fire hazard if left unsecured.

What are three warning signs of an overloaded electrical circuit?

Signs of Overloaded Circuits

  • Dimming lights, especially if lights dim when you turn on appliances or more lights.
  • Buzzing outlets or switches.
  • Outlet or switch covers that are warm to the touch.
  • Burning odors from outlets or switches.
  • Scorched plugs or outlets.