If you have swapped out your old light bulbs for energy-saving LEDs but find them frequently flickering on and off, try not to panic. The issue is more common than you may think, and what’s more, it’s usually not the bulb’s fault.

LEDs function in a similar manner as a computer, constantly switching between on and off states. However, if the main alternating current (AC) powering them is experiencing fluctuations, LEDs too may flicker.

Some of the most common causes behind the LED flickering issue are:

Wiring issues: If the wiring is loose, power flow may get disrupt, which in turn can trigger flickering.
Low frequency: LED bulbs may flicker when the power supply frequency is less than 50Hz.
Defective LED components: A faulty internal component or LED driver can cause flickering.
Non-compatible dimmers: Not all old dimmers work smoothly with LED lights.

Because flickering LED bulbs can be a nuisance, fixing the problem quickly is essential.

LEDs Flickering Even With a Compatible Dimmer — What Should I Do?

In case the dimmer is not the culprit, the flickering issue usually occurs due to:

some fault in wiring
faulty LED bulb
some fault in current regulation

A short wire length — anything shorter than 6’’ — may cause flickering. You may also experience flickering in case the wire connecting the fixture, switch, and bulb is loose.

Another possible cause could be a faulty LED driver. If it's not high-quality, it might not handle the heat from other LED parts well. If you're into tinkering with electronics, look for a bulging capacitor inside.

Don't forget to check your electrical panel too — loose wiring in the circuit breaker can also cause flickering. Power issues can be tricky. For example, if you mix LED and incandescent bulbs on the same circuit, your LEDs might flicker. That's because incandescent bulbs are power hogs, using all their rated energy (usually 60W). This leaves less power for LEDs and other devices. A couple of old-school bulbs can quickly eat up all the available power, leaving your LEDs starving and flickering as a result.

Why LEDs Flicker When They’re On Dimmer Switches?

LED bulbs work differently from old-school incandescent ones. They're either on or off, while traditional dimmers gradually adjust the power to incandescent bulbs. This mismatch can cause issues when you use LEDs with older dimmers. You might notice flickering if your dimmer switch isn't compatible with LEDs. The fix? Grab a new dimmer switch designed for LED bulbs.

Keep in mind that not all LED bulbs are dimmable, even though they're becoming more common. Using non-dimmable LEDs with dimmer switches can also lead to flickering. If that's your problem, the solution is easy — just swap out your non-dimmable LED for a dimmable one. Problem solved.

My LEDs Flicker Even When OFF — Why Is That So?

Switched-off LEDs flickering can be baffling, but it is not uncommon. More often than not, this happens when a smart switch is being used.

Smart switches come with a ton of features, like Wi-Fi control. These switches need some amount of standby power, and that is what causes LEDs to flicker even when they’re turned off.

Solution? We recommend you ask your local electrician to have a look. They should be able to solve the issue of capacitive coupling, which leaves some amount of residual power in the capacitor.

What Can I Do To Prevent (or Completely Stop) Flickering?

Here are step-by-step instructions for handling LED the flickering issue.

Step 1 – Ensure the bulb is properly seated in the socket.

Step 2 – Try another bulb in the same socket and check whether flickering occurs. If it does, move on to the next step.

Step 3 – Are you using a dimmer? If so, is it compatible with LEDs? As said earlier, not all old dimmers are 100% compatible with LEDs. You can check the compatibility online by entering relevant details about your dimmer switch and LED bulb. If you find that the existing dimmer has compatibility issues with LEDs, buy an LED-specific dimmer.

Step 4 – If none of these solutions worked for you (or if you are using smart switches), it would be best to get in touch with your local electrician.