You’ve just moved into your beautiful new home in Nashville, TN. Everything is shiny and modern—brand-new appliances, open-concept living space, sleek finishes. But then… you notice it. The lights flicker when the air conditioner kicks on. Or maybe the overhead lights blink when you plug in the vacuum. At first, you brush it off. But then it happens again—and again.
In a city like Nashville, known for its growing neighborhoods, newly built communities, and ever-expanding suburbs, flickering lights in new homes may seem like a minor nuisance. But they can be early indicators of electrical issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Whether you’re in East Nashville, Brentwood, or Hendersonville, it’s a common experience for many homeowners settling into new builds. Understanding why your lights flicker is the first step to ensuring your electrical system is safe, efficient, and up to standard.
Let’s shed some light on the most common causes of flickering lights in new homes—and what they might mean for your electrical system.
What Causes Flickering Lights in New Homes?
Flickering lights can result from a range of electrical problems, some of which are harmless and easily resolved, while others could pose a serious risk. Below are the most common causes of light flickering in new homes.
1. Voltage Fluctuations
One of the most common reasons lights flicker is inconsistent voltage levels.
In the U.S., standard voltage for homes is typically around 120 volts. But minor fluctuations of ±5% are considered normal. When the voltage dips or spikes significantly outside of that range, lights can dim or flicker. New homes—especially those in rapidly growing Nashville neighborhoods—are often part of larger housing developments that share utility infrastructure. That means when a nearby home uses a high-powered appliance, your lights might react.
Signs of voltage fluctuation:
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Flickering when large appliances turn on/off
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Lights that dim momentarily and return to full brightness
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Devices shutting off or behaving erratically
A licensed electrician can test your voltage using a voltmeter and identify whether your power supply is stable.
2. Loose or Improper Wiring
Even in brand-new homes, mistakes happen during construction. A common cause of flickering is loose wiring or poor electrical connections. Loose wiring is not just an inconvenience—it’s a serious fire hazard.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical distribution and lighting equipment are involved in approximately 24,200 home fires annually, accounting for 6% of all home structure fires. Loose wires in outlets, switches, or even behind drywall can lead to intermittent flickering and pose safety risks over time.
Common culprits:
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Loose neutral wires
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Poor connections at light fixtures
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Outlets or switches installed incorrectly
3. Circuit Overload
Each circuit in your home is designed to handle a certain electrical load. Plugging too many devices into one circuit—especially high-powered appliances like microwaves, space heaters, or hair dryers—can cause momentary flickering when the circuit becomes overloaded.
In many new homes, builders install modern circuit breakers that trip when overloaded, but flickering lights could be an early warning sign that a circuit is being stretched to its limits.
Watch for signs like:
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Lights dimming when you plug in appliances
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Warm outlets or breaker panels
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Buzzing sounds from outlets
4. Faulty Light Switches or Fixtures
Sometimes, the issue lies directly in the fixture itself. Modern light fixtures and dimmer switches, especially when paired with LED bulbs, can cause flickering due to compatibility issues. In new homes, energy-efficient lighting is standard, but not all dimmers are designed to handle LED loads.
Possible problems include:
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Incompatible dimmer switches
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Loose bulbs or poor socket connections
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Defective fixtures
Always check whether the switch or fixture is compatible with the bulbs you’re using. This is one of the simpler fixes but can cause persistent flickering if overlooked.
5. Utility Service Issues
Not all flickering originates inside your home. If your entire neighborhood is experiencing light fluctuations, it could be a utility company issue. Power lines, transformers, and substations all play a role in delivering consistent electricity. Storms, tree limbs, and even wildlife can affect the grid and cause temporary flickering.
In Tennessee, over 70% of power outages are related to weather events and infrastructure disruptions, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Though flickering isn’t always the result of a full outage, it may signal instability on the power grid feeding your neighborhood.
6. New Construction Defects
While new homes offer the benefit of modern layouts and materials, they’re not immune to defects. In fact, rushed construction timelines can lead to overlooked wiring mistakes. In Nashville’s booming housing market, the speed of development can sometimes outpace quality control.
Common construction-related issues:
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Incomplete electrical inspections
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Unlabeled or overloaded breaker panels
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Wiring not secured per code standards
A licensed electrician can conduct a full home inspection to ensure everything was installed correctly and safely.
7. Breaker Panel or Service Panel Problems
The breaker panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. If it’s not functioning properly, it can impact the performance of every connected circuit. In new homes, improperly labeled or poorly installed panels can cause inconsistent power delivery and flickering lights.
Signs your panel may be the issue:
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Lights flicker throughout the home, not just in one room
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Breakers trip frequently or won’t stay reset
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Burning smell or visible corrosion around the panel
If your panel is warm to the touch or making a buzzing sound, it’s important to have it inspected immediately.
Are Flickering Lights Dangerous?
Not all flickering lights are dangerous—but some absolutely can be. If the flickering is frequent, affects multiple rooms, or is accompanied by other signs like buzzing sounds, burning smells, or tripping breakers, it should be taken seriously.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that any sign of electrical malfunction be inspected by a qualified electrician, as issues like arcing, overloaded circuits, or faulty connections can lead to serious hazards including fire.
Troubleshooting Tips for Homeowners
If you’re noticing flickering lights, there are a few simple steps you can take before calling in the professionals:
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Tighten Bulbs and Check Fixtures
Ensure bulbs are properly screwed in and fixtures are secure. Loose bulbs are a surprisingly common cause of flickering. -
Test Other Outlets
If the flickering is confined to one area, plug devices into a different circuit to see if the problem persists. -
Switch Bulbs or Dimmers
Try replacing LED bulbs with ones labeled as “dimmable” or checking if your dimmer switch is LED-compatible. -
Unplug High-Wattage Devices
If lights flicker when you use large appliances, reduce the number of devices running on the same circuit.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue—or if the flickering is frequent or worsening—it’s time to bring in a licensed electrician.
Why Choose a Professional Electrician?
Electrical systems are complex, and DIY fixes can be dangerous if you’re not trained. Hiring a professional ensures:
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Safety: Avoid fire hazards and shocks.
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Code Compliance: All work meets local and national standards.
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Long-Term Reliability: Proper installation and repairs prevent future problems.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing your home’s electrical system is safe and up to date.
In Nashville, many neighborhoods have homes built within the last five years. Having a trusted, experienced electrician inspect your system helps you stay ahead of issues—before they become serious problems.
Preventive Maintenance for Your Electrical System
To keep your home running smoothly, preventive maintenance is key. Here are a few recommendations:
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Annual Inspections: Schedule a routine check-up of your panel, wiring, and fixtures.
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Label Your Breakers: Ensure each circuit is correctly labeled in your breaker box.
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Use Surge Protection: Install whole-home surge protection to guard against voltage spikes.
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Know the Signs: Stay alert for unusual smells, sounds, or flickering patterns.
For Electrical Services in Nashville, TN, Contact Lanham Mechanical Contractors Today
If your lights are flickering or your electrical system isn’t performing the way it should, don’t wait. At Lanham Mechanical Contractors, we specialize in electrical services for both new and existing homes across Nashville, TN. Our licensed electricians are experienced in identifying the root causes of electrical issues and providing lasting, code-compliant solutions that ensure your family’s safety and comfort.
We’re proud to serve the Nashville community with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to quality workmanship. Whether you’re experiencing minor flickering or suspect a deeper issue, you can trust us to get the job done right.
Let Lanham Mechanical Contractors bring clarity, safety, and peace of mind to your electrical system. Reach out today to schedule a service or inspection—we’re here to help every step of the way.
