Check the Light Bulb

A loose, burned-out, or incompatible bulb is the most common and easiest-to-fix cause of flickering. Always start here before investigating more complex electrical issues.

Steps

1. Turn off the light and allow the bulb to cool completely before handling it.
2. Remove the bulb and inspect it for a damaged filament, blackened glass, or a corroded base.
3. Screw the bulb back in firmly, ensuring it sits snugly in the socket.
4. Verify the bulb matches the fixture's recommended type and maximum wattage rating.
5. If the bulb is old or suspect, replace it with a new one and test.

Tips

• LED bulbs rated for the fixture are more energy-efficient and less prone to flickering than older incandescent or CFL bulbs.
• A bulb that flickers only when the fixture is bumped usually indicates a loose socket contact.