An occasional flicker from one lamp can have a simple cause, but repeated flickering should not automatically be dismissed as a bad bulb. The pattern of the fault helps determine whether the problem is with the lamp, fitting, circuit or supply.
One light or several?
If only one fitting is affected, the lamp or fitting may be the first place to investigate. Flickering across several rooms, especially when other electrical symptoms occur, suggests the problem deserves broader investigation.
Things you should not ignore
Stop using equipment and seek advice if flickering is accompanied by burning smells, hot accessories, buzzing, crackling, visible scorching or repeated operation of protective devices.
LED lighting can complicate diagnosis
LED lamps, drivers and dimmers need to be compatible. A lighting problem can therefore be caused by the lamp or control equipment rather than the fixed wiring, but electrical testing may be needed to distinguish between them.
Persistent faults
If replacing a known-faulty lamp does not solve the problem, or the fault affects multiple fittings, arrange professional fault finding rather than repeatedly changing components.
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