Why your ceiling light flickers — 4 likely causes

4 min readReviewed 30 Jun 2026

A flickering ceiling light is usually harmless and cheap to fix — but occasionally it's an early warning of a wiring fault. Here's how to tell the difference, what you can safely check yourself, and when Singapore rules mean you must call a licensed electrician.

Safety first

Electricity in Singapore runs at 230V and can be fatal. Always switch the light off at the wall and — for anything beyond changing a bulb — turn off the relevant circuit at the distribution board before touching a fitting. If you're unsure at any point, stop and call a professional.

1. A loose or failing bulb

The most common — and most harmless — cause. A bulb or tube near the end of its life, or simply not seated firmly, will flicker.

Switch off, let the bulb cool, then reseat or replace it.
On a dimmer switch, make sure you're using dimmable LED bulbs — non-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer flicker.

2. An incompatible or worn dimmer switch

Older dimmers were designed for incandescent bulbs and often don't play nicely with modern LEDs, causing flicker or a faint buzz. A dimmer rated for LEDs usually solves it.

3. Voltage fluctuation from a large appliance

If the light dips at the exact moment a heavy appliance kicks in — an aircon compressor, water heater or washing machine — the circuit is briefly dropping voltage. The odd short dip is normal. Frequent or severe flickering across several lights suggests an overloaded circuit that should be looked at.

4. Loose wiring — the one that matters

If the flickering is persistent, affects multiple fittings, or comes with warmth, scorch marks or a burning smell at the switch or ceiling, suspect a loose or deteriorating connection. This is a genuine fire risk and is not a DIY job.

When you must call a Licensed Electrical Worker

In Singapore, fixed electrical wiring work should be carried out by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). Changing a bulb or a plug-in fitting is fine to do yourself — but replacing a switch, touching the wiring at a ceiling rose, or investigating anything at the distribution board should be left to a licensed professional. If you see scorching, smell burning, or the flicker is spreading, switch off that circuit and get help promptly.

Quick checklist

One light flickering? Reseat or replace the bulb.
On a dimmer? Fit an LED-rated dimmer or dimmable bulbs.
Flickers when an appliance starts? Usually normal — watch that it doesn't worsen.
Multiple lights, persistent, warm, or a smell of burning? Switch off and call a licensed electrician.

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