Lights Dimming Randomly in San Diego? Here’s What It Means and How to Fix It
Have you noticed your lights dimming randomly in your San Diego home? Maybe it happens when the AC kicks on, when you turn on the microwave, or sometimes for no reason at all. While a little flicker every now and then might seem harmless, consistent dimming is often a warning sign that something’s not right with your electrical system.
At Andre Electric, we help homeowners across San Diego troubleshoot these issues every week. Here’s what you need to know about why your lights might be dimming—and what you can do to fix it.
💡 Why Do Lights Dim Randomly?
1. Large Appliances Pulling Power
When heavy appliances like air conditioners, dryers, or refrigerators start up, they draw a lot of electricity at once. This can cause a brief dimming in other parts of your home.
Fix: Occasional dimming when large appliances cycle on is normal. If it’s frequent or extreme, you may need a dedicated circuit or electrical panel upgrade.
2. Overloaded Circuits
If too many devices are running on the same circuit, lights may dim or flicker under the strain.
Fix: Try moving devices to different outlets. If overload is common, an electrician can add circuits to balance the load.
3. Loose or Faulty Wiring
Loose connections or damaged wiring are a major cause of lights dimming randomly. This can be dangerous, as poor connections create heat and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: This isn’t a DIY job. Call a licensed San Diego electrician to inspect and tighten connections safely.
4. Utility Power Supply Issues
Sometimes the problem isn’t inside your home—it’s with the power company. If your whole neighborhood notices lights dimming randomly, it may be a utility issue.
Fix: Contact your utility provider first. If it’s just your home, call an electrician to check your panel and wiring.
5. Outdated Electrical Panel
Older panels often can’t keep up with the power demands of modern homes. If your panel is decades old, dimming lights may be a sign it’s time for an upgrade.
Fix: A panel replacement by a licensed electrician will restore reliability and improve safety.
🛠️ When to Call a San Diego Electrician
If your lights keep dimming randomly in San Diego, don’t ignore it. You should call a professional if:
Dimming happens often, not just occasionally.
It occurs throughout the house, not just one room.
You notice burning smells, buzzing sounds, or warm outlets.
Your panel is older or hasn’t been inspected in years.
✅ Bottom Line
Lights that dim randomly aren’t just annoying—they’re often your electrical system’s way of telling you something’s wrong. The good news is, most issues can be identified and fixed quickly by a professional.
At Andre Electric, we specialize in diagnosing flickering and dimming lights, upgrading electrical panels, and keeping San Diego homes safe and reliable. If your lights are dimming randomly in San Diego, give us a call today—we’ll find the cause and fix it fast.
