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uk Home & property emergencies

What to do if…
lights repeatedly flicker or dim and you suspect a wider electrical fault

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

If there is smoke, fire, sparking, a strong burning smell or loud crackling, get everyone out, stay out and call 999. Otherwise, avoid using suspect fittings and non-essential high-power appliances, report persistent whole-property flickering to the electricity network operator, and arrange a registered electrician if the fault appears limited to your property.

Do not do these things

  • Do not open the consumer unit, electricity meter, switches, sockets or light fittings.
  • Do not touch exposed wiring or equipment that is damaged, scorched, sparking or unusually hot.
  • Do not repeatedly reset a circuit breaker that keeps tripping.
  • Do not continue using an appliance, socket or light fitting that seems connected to the flickering.
  • Do not attempt electrical repairs yourself.
  • Do not use water on an electrical fire.
  • Do not use candles if the lighting fails; use a battery torch.
  • Do not go back inside if you have left because of fire or smoke.

What to do now

  1. Check from a safe position for smoke, flames, sparks, scorching, a strong burning smell or loud crackling. If there is a fire or immediate danger, get everyone out, stay out and call 999.

  2. Note whether the lights are affected in one fitting, several rooms or the whole property. Also notice whether they become unusually bright as well as dim, or change when a particular appliance starts.

  3. Stop using any specific socket, fitting or appliance that appears linked to the problem. Unplug a portable appliance only when its plug and socket are cool, undamaged and safe to approach.

  4. Avoid using non-essential high-power appliances, such as portable heaters, kettles, tumble dryers or electric vehicle chargers, until you have received advice.

  5. Check safely whether neighbouring homes, communal areas or street lights are also affected. This can help describe the problem but does not prove where the fault is.

  6. In Great Britain, contact your local electricity network operator through Power Cut 105 or call 105. In Northern Ireland, report the problem to NIE Networks. Contact the network operator promptly if several rooms or properties are affected, or if lights repeatedly become very bright and then dim.

  7. If the problem appears limited to your property, or the network operator says it cannot find a supply problem, contact a registered electrician to inspect the installation.

  8. If you rent, also report the fault to your landlord, letting agent or housing provider using the fastest repair contact they provide. State which rooms are affected and mention any tripping, heat, buzzing, scorching or burning smell.

  9. Keep people away from suspect equipment and use a battery torch if the lighting becomes unreliable.

What can wait

You do not need to diagnose the exact cause, replace every bulb, open any fittings, decide who must pay, compare rewiring options or pursue compensation now. First deal with immediate danger and arrange the appropriate network or electrician assessment.

Important reassurance

Flickering can have a local cause, such as a bulb or fitting, but repeated changes across several rooms can also indicate a problem with the property’s installation or electricity supply. The cause cannot be confirmed safely from the flickering alone, but the network operator or a registered electrician can investigate it.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate safety and contact steps only. Diagnosis, repair work, responsibility for costs and later property decisions may require the electricity network operator, a registered electrician, your landlord or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general safety information, not electrical, legal or other professional advice. Follow instructions from the emergency services, your electricity network operator and any competent electrician who assesses the property directly.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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