Bright ideas can go dark fast—unless you know who to call.
Picture this: you’ve spent hours perfecting your backyard or front entryway, but when night falls, the space disappears into the shadows. You want to light it up—safely, beautifully, and professionally—but you’re stuck wondering: Do I need an electrician for outdoor lighting?
If you’re a homeowner in Burlington or Camden County, NJ, looking to enhance your outdoor space, you’re not alone—and you’re asking the right question.
This post breaks down exactly when and why to hire a licensed electrician for outdoor lighting. Plus, we’ll help you avoid common missteps that could cost you more in the long run.
It starts as a flicker. Maybe when your AC kicks on or when you plug in the vacuum. But what if it keeps happening? What if it gets worse? Flickering lights can seem harmless at first—even annoying—but they could be your home warning you of a much deeper, potentially dangerous electrical problem.
If you’re in Burlington County or Camden County, NJ and your lights are flickering, you’re not alone. And you might be right to worry. This post will help you figure out whether it’s a quick fix or a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.
Before you panic, let’s look at some of the most common reasons lights flicker:
Loose Bulb or Socket: A bulb that isn’t screwed in all the way can cause intermittent flickering.
Faulty Switch: Especially dimmer switches that aren’t compatible with LED bulbs.
Loose Plug or Outlet: A plug not seated firmly can lead to inconsistent power delivery.
Overloaded Circuit: If your lights flicker when major appliances start, it could signal an overloaded or shared circuit.
Voltage Fluctuations: Sudden spikes or drops in voltage can cause lights to dim or flicker.
Most of these are minor. But when they persist or escalate, you need to dig deeper. Learn more about common electrical issues you may encounter in your home.
When Should You Call an Electrician?
Not every flicker means danger, but some signs do.
Call a licensed electrician if:
Lights flicker throughout your home
Flickering is accompanied by burning smells, buzzing sounds, or hot outlets
Flickering worsens when appliances run
Circuit breakers trip often or you hear humming from your panel
These could indicate:
Loose wiring (a fire risk)
Overloaded service panel
Faulty breakers or outdated wiring
At DK Electrical Solutions, we often find that what seems like a “small issue” turns out to be a wiring problem that could have caused serious damage if left alone. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to contact us for electrical troubleshooting in South Jersey.
What You Can Check Yourself (Safely)
While we always recommend caution, here are a few things you can check without risk:
Ensure bulbs are tightened properly
Try replacing the bulb (especially if using incompatible LED/dimmer combos)
Check the plug: Is it secure? Is the outlet damaged?
Note when the flickering happens: Does it correspond to large appliances? That’s worth noting for your electrician.
It depends on the cause. A quick bulb swap is cheap. Replacing wiring or breakers will cost more. Estimates from DK Electrical Solutions are fast and transparent. For more info, visit our blog.
Solving the Mystery of Flickering Lights
Light flickering can be simple. Or it can be serious. The key is knowing when to get help.
If you’re experiencing persistent flickering lights, especially with other warning signs, don’t wait. Let licensed electricians diagnose the issue before it becomes a bigger, costlier problem.
Want peace of mind? Take the next step with a trusted expert.
