Turn on the kettle or the dryer and the lights sag for a moment. A small, brief dip with big loads isn't unusual. A deep dip, one that lingers, or one that's getting worse is a sign of resistance in a connection or a supply that's being pushed hard.
To find out which it is, ring 0421 772 661. We measure the voltage under load and check the connections from the meter to the circuit.
If dimming comes with a burning or hot plastic smell, buzzing from the switchboard, or lights that go noticeably brighter as well as dimmer, stop using heavy appliances and call an electrician promptly. Lights that brighten and dim can indicate a supply neutral fault; if that's what you see, also call Ausgrid on 13 13 88. Call 000 if there's smoke or fire.
Don't open the switchboard or meter box, and don't try tightening anything yourself. Many connections there remain live even with the main switch off.
Every part of the path from the street to your appliance has a little resistance: the service cable, the meter connections, the main switch, the circuit wiring and every terminal along the way. When a heavy appliance switches on, current through that path jumps and the voltage at your lights drops a little. The more resistance there is, the bigger the drop.
Motors (pumps, compressors, washing machines) briefly draw extra current to start. Heating appliances (kettles, ovens, heaters) draw a steady high current. Both can show up as dimming, but a dip that lasts as long as the appliance runs points more to a connection or capacity issue.
You don't need to touch anything electrical to gather these.
Note which appliances cause it. One appliance only suggests its own circuit; several suggests something shared further upstream.
A blink at start-up is different from dimming the whole time the appliance runs. Note which you see.
Dimming everywhere points toward the main supply, meter or main switch. Dimming in one area points to a circuit or a shared connection.
If some lights flare brighter while others dim, treat it as urgent and call Ausgrid and an electrician.
If it started recently or after storm or building work, mention that. Damage to the service line or a disturbed connection can cause it.
A loose or corroded connection. At the main switch, the neutral link, a breaker or a junction on the circuit. These get worse with heat cycles and are the main reason a growing dip deserves attention.
Lights and heavy appliances sharing a circuit. Common in older wiring where circuits were added on over the years. Separating them often solves it.
Supply capacity. Older homes with a small service cable, an ageing switchboard and modern loads such as induction cooktops, air conditioners or an EV charger can run close to their limit. A switchboard upgrade or supply review may be needed.
Network issues. Problems on Ausgrid's side, such as a deteriorating service connection, are fixed by Ausgrid; we can help identify them.
Call us if the dimming is getting worse, lingers for as long as the appliance runs, affects the whole house, or comes with heat, buzzing or tripping. We test voltage drop under load, check connections at the switchboard, and tell you whether the fix is a connection repair, a new circuit or a bigger change.
If the problem is mainly the air conditioner, see lights flicker when the air con starts. For flicker that isn't tied to an appliance, read why are my lights flickering.
A tiny, brief dip can be. Clear dimming that lasts while the kettle runs suggests more resistance than there should be somewhere in the supply or wiring.
Some LED lights and drivers react visibly to small voltage changes. That can exaggerate a dip, but it's still worth checking if it's obvious.
Lights going brighter and dimmer can indicate a neutral fault in the supply. Treat it as urgent: call Ausgrid and an electrician.
Sometimes, if the old board or its connections are the cause. Testing first tells you whether that's the right fix.
Occasional small dips rarely do. A worsening connection can overheat, which is the bigger concern.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
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