Microwave Causes Lights To Flicker: 5 Causes With Solutions
Have you ever noticed your lights flickering when the microwave turns on? You’re not alone! Many people experience this issue, a common problem that can be fixed.
Microwaves will cause lights to flicker because pulls a high current on startup, which results in a high voltage draw to the microwave. This causes a voltage drop on other electronics, including lights that share the same current, which can be observed visually as flickering and dimming lights.
If this is happening to you, don’t worry! There are plenty of solutions available to fix the issue. In this article, we’ll discuss why lights flicker when the microwave runs, how to fix them, and what measures can be taken to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Why Do Lights Flicker When Microwave Turns on

When it comes to the flickering of lights when a microwave turns on, there are several possible causes.
Overloading of the circuit, improper or faulty wiring, issues with the power grid, old bulbs, faulty ballasts, and neutral wire issues could all be contributing factors.
Let’s discuss each one in more detail to better understand why this is happening.
1. Overloading of the circuit

If you overload the circuit, it can be a real knock-on effect – like a domino effect!
This means that when one appliance is using too much power, other appliances and lights connected to the same circuit get impacted.
When it comes to microwave ovens, this could cause flickering house lights or even flickering microwave lights.
For example, if your led lights are connected to the same circuit as your microwave oven, they may flicker when you turn on your microwave.
It’s important to remember that if an overloaded circuit isn’t addressed quickly, then it can lead to further damage such as blown fuses or even tripped breakers.
2. Improper or faulty wiring

Improper or faulty wiring can have serious consequences, so ensuring your electrical systems are up to code and running smoothly is important.
When it comes to the question of why a microwave might cause lights to flicker when it runs, improper or faulty wiring may be the culprit.
If you don’t have a dedicated circuit for your microwave, such as one specifically designed for high-power appliances like microwaves, other electrical circuits in your home may end up overloaded.
This could lead to an overload on the light bulbs connected to those circuits, causing them to flicker when the microwave is running.
To avoid this problem, you should hire a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical wiring and ensure the connections are grounded and functioning correctly.
3. Issues of the power grid

As electricity courses through the power grid, it’s like a river of life that lights up our homes and keeps us connected to the world – but if the grid isn’t maintained properly, it can quickly become a source of frustration.
Issues with the power grid can cause flickering lights when running a microwave or other heavy appliances such as an air conditioner. The neutral wire may not be carrying enough current to run all your appliances simultaneously.
Dim lights may indicate fluctuating voltage coming from the power supply. If your home’s wiring system is out of date, its capacity could be too weak for modern electrical loads. Or there could be an issue with your local distribution network.
You need to stay informed about issues related to your power grid in order to keep your family safe and comfortable.
4. Old bulbs

Outdated bulbs can lead to unexpected power outages and wasted energy, so staying up-to-date with your lighting solutions is important!
Old bulbs can sometimes draw too much current from the same circuit as your microwave, which can cause the lights to flicker when the appliance is in use.
This happens because of an imbalance in the power grid, which becomes more pronounced when outdated bulbs are used.
Reason | Solution |
---|---|
Outdated bulbs drawing too much current on the same circuit as microwave | Replace old bulbs with energy-efficient ones |
Imbalance in power grid due to outdated bulbs | Move the microwave away from other electronic devices or plug them into separate outlets. |
Interference from nearby electronic devices | Imbalance in the power grid due to outdated bulbs |
5. Faulty Ballasts
Faulty ballasts can cause serious problems with your electrical system, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition! Ballasts are the parts of electric circuits that regulate the flow of electricity.
In an older home, these ballasts may be outdated or become worn out over time. If this happens, it can lead to flickering kitchen lights, vacuum cleaner issues and other electrical problems.
The most common type of ballast is a single circuit, which works by controlling the amount of power coming from the power grid into your home.
If a single circuit is damaged or not working properly, then it could affect your microwave’s ability to run efficiently and cause your lights to flicker when it does run.
6. Neutral Wire Issue

A neutral wire issue can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system, creating a chaotic symphony of misfiring circuits.
A faulty neutral wire can cause lights to flicker when the microwave is running, as it creates an imbalance in the electrical current that may lead to power surges or fluctuations.
If you’re experiencing flickering lights while using your microwave, one potential solution is to check the neutral wires inside your fuse box. An incorrect connection in this area can send an unstable current through the circuit and make the lights flicker.
You can also try checking any other appliances connected to the same circuit; if they too are flickering at the same time, then a neutral wire issue could be causing the problem.
Fixing it usually requires some knowledge of electricity and wiring – so if you’re not sure how to proceed, contact a qualified electrician for help with replacing or repairing any damaged wiring.
7. Faulty Microwave Capacitor
Another common symptom of a failing capacitor is a flickering display or dim lights on the microwave.
If you notice that the lights on your microwave are dimming or you have a flickering display, then chances are that you have a failing capacitator.
This is because the capacitor is not providing enough power to maintain a steady voltage to the display or lights. If you notice flickering or dim lights, it may be time to check the capacitor.
How to Fix Lights Flickering When Microwave turns on
When your kitchen appliances don’t perform as expected, it could be time to explore some simple solutions for remedying the situation.
If lights in your home flicker when the microwave is running, you may have a neutral wire issue. You can fix this problem by having an electrician come in and check to see if there’s a wiring or grounding issue with the appliance.
Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|
Neutral wire issue | Try plugging something unrelated to the microwave into the outlet to check for power issues. |
Outlet issue | Consult a professional electrician to assess and diagnose any deeper electrical issues or wiring problems. |
Other electrical problems | Consult a professional electrician to assess and diagnose any deeper electrical issues or wiring problems |
How to change a microwave light bulb?
Now that you know how to fix the lights flickering when your microwave turns on, it’s time to learn how to replace the lightbulb in your microwave.
Replacing a light bulb in your microwave is an easy task and doesn’t require any special tools. Here are a few simple steps you can take to change out your old bulb:
- Unplug the appliance or turn off the power at the circuit breaker before replacing the bulb.
- Remove any screws that secure the interior panel or lens cover of your microwave. Then, carefully lift off this piece and set it aside.
- Locate and identify which type of light bulb needs replacing – most microwaves use a 40 watt appliance bulb, though some may have higher wattages so check first if unsure.
- Remove the old light bulb by unscrewing it from its socket – be careful as bulbs can become very hot during use!
- Finally, install the new lightbulb into its socket and reattach the lens cover/panel before turning on power again.
With these steps in mind, changing out your microwave’s lightbulb should be easy for you!
Not only will you save money by doing it yourself but also have pride in knowing that you successfully replaced your own appliance part with ease!
Should I worry About flickering lights?
If you’ve noticed your lights flickering, taking action immediately is important.
It could indicate an issue with your wiring or a faulty appliance like your microwave.
Flickering lights can be caused by many different things, so it’s important to diagnose the cause before attempting any sort of repair.
Having flickering lights in your home can be dangerous and should not be ignored.
If your lights are flicking on and off frequently, it’s best to turn them off and contact an electrician for advice.
An electrician will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue and make sure that everything is working safely.
You should also look into replacing any old appliances such as microwaves, that may be contributing to the problem.
Taking action now can help you avoid bigger problems down the road!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous for lights to flicker when a microwave turns on?
Do your lights flicker when you turn on the microwave? You may be wondering if this is a normal occurrence or if it could be dangerous.
The truth is that, while some flickering of lights can occur when using certain appliances such as a microwave, it’s typically not harmful.
However, in some cases, flickering can indicate an electrical problem and should be investigated by a professional if it persists.
What kind of light bulbs are suitable for a microwave?
The most common household bulb is an incandescent, but this isn’t suitable for a microwave as it may get too hot and cause a fire.
Instead, opt for LED or halogen bulbs, both of which will last longer than traditional incandescents and are cooler to the touch.
The Takeaway
You now know why your lights are flickering when your microwave is on and how to fix it. Don’t worry if you need to change a light bulb or two—it’s easy!
With all of this newfound knowledge, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure from pesky flickering lights.
By reading this article, you’ve taken an important step towards creating a more peaceful living environment.
And while it may take some time and effort to get everything back in order, you can create an atmosphere free of distracting light interference with a little patience and dedication.
Now that’s something worth celebrating—so go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back!