If you live in Broxbourne and you’ve noticed your LED lights flickering only at night, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most confusing electrical issues homeowners report. During the day, the lights behave perfectly, but once the sun sets and the household quiets down, the flicker begins.
Most people assume it’s a faulty bulb or a bad fitting, but those are rarely the true cause. What many homeowners don’t realise is that night-time LED flicker is often linked to a hidden wiring fault inside the property, and it’s something only a qualified electrician can safely identify.
In this blog, we’ll break down why this problem happens, why it appears only at night, and what an electrician in Broxbourne will check during an inspection.
Why LED Flicker Happens More at Night
Many Broxbourne homeowners are surprised when their lighting behaves differently depending on the time of day. There’s a simple reason for this: your electrical supply behaves differently at night.
Here’s what changes after dark:
1. Local voltage levels rise overnight
During the day, homes, offices, shops, and businesses all draw power from the same local grid. At night, when usage drops, voltage levels often rise.
LED drivers are sensitive to voltage changes. If your wiring or fittings are aging or loose, that small increase in voltage can make your lights flicker, pulse, or flash briefly.
2. Neighbours charging EVs or using off-peak appliances
In areas like Broxbourne where EV ownership is rising, off-peak chargers switch on around 10pm. These can momentarily affect supply consistency, which exposes weak points in your lighting circuits.
3. Your own home’s load changes
Night-time routines often include:
- Switching off appliances
- Turning heating systems down
- Charging phones overnight
These small changes can highlight electrical issues that aren’t noticeable during the day.
But why does this only affect some homes? Because the real cause is hidden deeper.
The Hidden Wiring Fault Behind Night Flicker
While bulbs and cheap LED fittings can contribute to flicker, the underlying reason this happens only at night is usually one of the following issues:
1. Loose neutral connections
This is the number one culprit.
A slightly loose neutral connection on the lighting circuit can cause intermittent flicker—especially when voltage fluctuates overnight.
It’s not visible to homeowners, and it can’t be diagnosed by changing bulbs.
2. Shared neutrals on older wiring
Many older Broxbourne homes were wired using methods that are no longer recommended today. Some lighting circuits share neutrals with other circuits, and when devices switch on or off at night, your lights can flicker.
3. Ageing or partially damaged cable insulation
If your home was built before the 1990s, the wiring insulation may be starting to degrade.
A small resistance change in a lighting cable can become more noticeable during low household load in the evening.
4. Incorrect LED drivers or incompatible dimmers
Older dimmer switches are not LED-compatible.
At night, when voltage rises slightly, the mismatch becomes more obvious and causes flicker.
5. Overloaded lighting circuits
Modern LED downlights are low-wattage, but older properties often have:
- Under-sized cables
- Circuits split across rooms
- “DIY additions” from previous owners
When voltage shifts overnight, overloaded circuits struggle to stabilise the supply to each light.
Why This Fault Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Flickering LEDs might seem like a minor irritation, but in electrical terms, it’s often the first visible sign of an underlying issue. A loose neutral, damaged cable, or incompatible dimmer can eventually lead to:
- Overheating behind light fittings
- Bulbs that fail early
- Circuit tripping
- Burning smells or warm switches
In rare cases, electrical fires
If the flicker happens only at night, that’s a strong indicator the wiring is struggling under changing voltage conditions—meaning the issue already exists and is getting worse.
How an Electrician in Broxbourne Diagnoses the Issue
When JJB Electrical attends a flickering LED problem in Broxbourne, the inspection usually includes:
✔ Full testing of the lighting circuit
✔ Checking neutral continuity
✔ Inspecting ceiling roses and downlight connections
✔ Testing the dimmer switch (if fitted)
✔ Voltage monitoring to detect fluctuations
✔ Inspecting the consumer unit for loose terminals
✔ Verifying LED driver compatibility
These are quick, safe tests that homeowners cannot perform themselves.
Once the fault is identified, repairs are straightforward and typically involve:
- Tightening or replacing connections
- Replacing old or incompatible dimmers
- Upgrading wiring sections
- Replacing outdated fittings
- Ensuring the circuit is properly rated
Why Broxbourne Homes Experience This More Often
Broxbourne has a wide mix of property ages, from 1960s builds to new developments. Many houses have had:
- Loft conversions
- Kitchen extensions
- New lighting added over the years
- DIY alterations by previous owners
This creates a patchwork of wiring ages across a single property. That’s why flicker doesn’t always show up until nighttime conditions expose the weak point.
If Your LEDs Flicker Only at Night, Get Them Checked
This is not just a “bulb issue.” If you’re in Broxbourne and have noticed:
- Flickering
- Pulsing
- Flashing once every few minutes
- Only happening at night
…it’s a sign your wiring may need attention. A quick inspection now can prevent a more serious issue later.
Book a Lighting Fault Inspection in Broxbourne
JJB Electrical specialises in lighting diagnostics, fault finding, and safe upgrades throughout Broxbourne. 📞 Call 01992 276087. We’re NAPIT-approved, fully insured, and highly rated across Hertfordshire.
