Expert insight from commercial electrician Eric Gandler Clifton Park

Flickering lights are one of the most common electrical complaints in commercial buildings—and one of the most frequently searched problems online. While a slight flicker may seem harmless, it often signals an underlying electrical issue that can lead to equipment damage, disruptions, or even safety hazards.

If your business is located in Clifton Park or the surrounding area, understanding the root causes of flickering lights can help you address problems early and keep your building safe, efficient, and compliant. Here, Eric Gandler, a trusted commercial electrician serving Clifton Park, explains the most common reasons lights flicker and what business owners should do next.

1. Loose Electrical Connections

Loose connections are one of the top causes of flickering lights in commercial buildings. Over time, wiring can loosen due to building vibration, temperature changes, or aging components.

Signs of loose connections include:

  • Intermittent flickering

  • Lights that dim when large equipment turns on

  • Occasional buzzing sounds near fixtures or switches

This issue can quickly become dangerous if left untreated. A loose connection can overheat, arc, and potentially start a fire.

Why this matters in Clifton Park:

Many local commercial buildings are older and may have outdated wiring systems. Eric Gandler frequently identifies loose or weakened connections during inspections.

2. Voltage Drops and Power Fluctuations

When your electrical system isn’t receiving consistent voltage, lights may flicker or dim unexpectedly. This is especially common when large equipment—such as HVAC units, compressors, or industrial machinery—turns on.

Causes of voltage drops:

  • Overloaded electrical panels

  • Undersized wiring

  • Aging or failing transformers

  • Utility-side fluctuations

This issue can affect lighting throughout the entire building, not just one fixture.

3. Overloaded Circuits

Commercial buildings often have heavy electrical demands. If too many devices or systems share the same circuit, flickering lights may be the first warning sign that the circuit is overloaded.

Common overload contributors:

  • Computers and office equipment

  • Commercial refrigeration

  • HVAC systems

  • Lighting upgrades that didn’t account for circuit capacity

Overloaded circuits don’t just cause flickering—they can also trip breakers, reduce equipment lifespan, and increase the risk of overheating.

Clifton Park insight:

As businesses expand or add new technology, it’s common for their electrical infrastructure to fall behind. Eric Gandler often sees flickering lights in buildings that simply outgrew their original electrical design.

4. Aging or Failing Light Fixtures

Sometimes the issue isn’t the wiring—it’s the fixture itself.

Common fixture-related causes:

  • Failing ballasts in fluorescent lights

  • Loose or corroded sockets

  • Aging LED drivers

  • Incompatible dimmers

Fluorescent lighting is especially known for flickering as it ages or when temperatures drop.

Signs it’s a fixture problem:

  • Only one or two lights flicker while others stay steady

  • Flickering improves temporarily after replacing a bulb

  • Light buzzes or hums

Replacing the fixture—or upgrading to LED—often resolves the issue.

5. Poor-Quality or Failing Bulbs

Low-cost bulbs or inconsistent LED products may flicker even when the rest of the electrical system is functioning properly.

Reasons bulbs cause flickering:

  • Incompatible with dimmer switches

  • Low-quality drivers inside the bulb

  • Loose installation

  • Bulbs nearing the end of their lifespan

Upgrading to commercial-grade LED lighting reduces these problems and improves overall reliability.

6. Utility Company Issues

Sometimes flickering lights aren’t caused by anything inside your building. External utility problems—such as storms, aging infrastructure, or grid fluctuations—can cause temporary flickering or dimming.

If multiple businesses in the area experience the same symptoms, the issue may be on the utility side.

What You Should Do If Your Lights Are Flickering

Flickering lights aren’t something to ignore. They indicate a problem that should be diagnosed quickly to prevent:

  • Electrical fires

  • Equipment damage

  • Breaker failure

  • Expensive downtime

  • Failed inspections

Steps business owners should take:

  1. Note when and where flickering occurs

  2. Avoid plugging additional equipment into affected circuits

  3. Contact a licensed commercial electrician for a full inspection

Why Clifton Park Businesses Call Eric Gandler

With years of commercial electrical experience, Eric Gandler provides Clifton Park businesses with:

His expertise helps identify the root cause—not just the symptom—so your building stays safe and your operations stay uninterrupted.

Final Thoughts

Flickering lights might seem like a minor inconvenience, but they are one of the most important early warning signs of electrical issues in commercial buildings. By understanding the potential causes and addressing them quickly, business owners can protect their property, equipment, and employees.

For Clifton Park businesses, Eric Gandler is a trusted resource for diagnosing and repairing flickering light issues with accuracy and professionalism.