My new light fitting flickers — is the fitting faulty?

Not necessarily. The most common cause is a loose connection made during installation rather than a faulty fitting. The bulb type and dimmer compatibility are also frequent culprits.

I installed it myself — should I get it checked?

If it is flickering, yes. A qualified electrician can quickly check the connections and ensure it is safe. They can also issue a certificate for the work, which may be required under Part P.

Could the old wiring be the problem?

Yes. Older wiring may have deteriorated connections at the ceiling rose that were disturbed during fitting. An electrician can check the existing wiring condition as well as the new connections.

Do I need a certificate for a new light fitting?

In England and Wales, like-for-like replacements in non-special locations do not require notification. But new fittings in bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoors, or any work involving new circuits, must be certified by a registered electrician or notified to Building Control.

Caution

Updated 30 August 2026

Lights Flickering After New Light Fitting

You have just installed or had a new light fitting installed and it is flickering from day one.

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What's happening?

When a newly installed light fitting flickers immediately, the issue is almost always related to the installation itself — a loose connection made during fitting, an incompatible bulb or transformer, or a wiring error. This is a medium-risk situation because a poor connection made during installation can deteriorate quickly.

What usually causes it?

Loose wire connection made during installation at the ceiling rose or junction box
Incompatible transformer or LED driver in the new fitting
Wrong bulb type for the fitting (e.g., non-dimmable bulb on a dimmer circuit)
Wiring error — live and neutral crossed, or earth not connected properly
Damaged cable insulation caused during installation
Existing dimmer switch not compatible with the new fitting

Is it dangerous?

A loose connection on a new fitting is potentially dangerous because it can overheat quickly under load. If the fitting was installed by an unqualified person, the risk is higher. If the fitting buzzes, feels hot, or produces a burning smell, turn it off at the switch and do not use it until an electrician has checked it.

Can I fix it myself?

If you installed the fitting yourself, turn off the power at the consumer unit and double-check all connections are tight and correctly terminated. Make sure the bulb is the correct type for the fitting and is dimmable if you have a dimmer switch. If you are not confident with electrical work, do not attempt to re-open the fitting yourself.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an electrician if the fitting was installed by someone else and flickers from the start, if you are not confident checking your own work, if the fitting buzzes or gets hot, or if you have checked the connections and the problem persists. Under Part P of the Building Regulations, some lighting work requires notification to Building Control.

What will the electrician actually do?

Inspect the new fitting and all connections made during installation
Check the wiring is correctly terminated (live, neutral, earth, and switched live)
Test the circuit for polarity and earth continuity
Replace any incompatible transformers or drivers
Assess dimmer switch compatibility and replace if needed
Issue a Minor Electrical Works Certificate for the installation