Flickering lights in your Jurong home can be more than just annoying—they can signal underlying electrical issues. Recently, I had a real service call from a client in Jurong who was frustrated with persistent flickering lights. What happened next turned into one of the most satisfying jobs I’ve ever completed, and the client was amazed by the quick fix.
How the Call Came In
It was a warm Tuesday afternoon in Jurong when I received a call from Mr. Lim, a resident of a high-rise apartment near Jurong Point. His tone was urgent but polite.
“Hello, are you the electrician who can help with flickering lights? They’ve been driving us crazy for a week!”
I’ve dealt with my fair share of flickering lights across Singapore, but when someone’s frustration comes through the phone like that, I know it’s affecting their day-to-day life. Mr. Lim mentioned that his living room and kitchen lights had been flickering on and off at random times. He had tried changing the bulbs twice, but the problem persisted.
Why Flickering Lights Should Never Be Ignored
As an electrician in Singapore, I’ve learned that flickering lights aren’t just a small inconvenience—they’re often a sign of something deeper:
- Loose wiring – A major safety hazard that can lead to electrical fires.
- Overloaded circuits—common in older HDB flats or when multiple appliances are in use.
- Faulty switches or fixtures—Wear and tear over time can cause instability in the electrical flow.
- Voltage fluctuations—sometimes caused by issues in the building’s main power supply.
In Singapore’s humid climate, another factor is corrosion of connections, which can also trigger flickering.
Arriving at the Client’s Home in Jurong
I scheduled an appointment for that same evening. Jurong is known for its lively neighborhoods, and Mr. Lim’s block was no exception. The moment I stepped into his home, I noticed the flicker instantly – it was like being in a room with an old fluorescent light trying to warm up.
Mr. Lim’s wife, Mrs. Lim, offered me tea, but she quickly added:
“Please, just make these lights stop. We can’t even enjoy dinner without feeling like we’re in a disco.”
My Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Here’s how I approached the problem:
- Checked the bulbs – Even though the client had replaced them, I inspected them to confirm no defects.
- Inspected the fixtures – I made sure there wasn’t loose contact inside the light fitting.
- Tested the wall switches – A worn-out switch can cause intermittent power flow.
- Measured voltage – Using my multimeter, I checked if there were any fluctuations in supply.
- Examined wiring connections – This is often where the real culprit hides.
The Culprit Revealed
In this case, the flickering was caused by loose wiring in the ceiling junction box. Over time, the wire connections had slightly corroded and loosened due to Singapore’s high humidity levels. Each time a fan or appliance turned on, the vibration caused micro-disruptions in the connection, leading to flickering lights.
The Quick Fix
Once I identified the problem, the fix was straightforward but needed precision:
- I switched off the main power supply to ensure safety.
- Removed the ceiling light and accessed the junction box.
- Cleaned the corroded ends of the wires using a contact cleaner.
- Tightened all connections securely.
- Applied anti-corrosion gel to prevent future problems.
- Reinstalled the fixture and tested the lights.
The Moment of Truth
When I turned the power back on, the difference was immediate. The lights were steady and bright – no flicker, no dimming. Mr. Lim literally clapped his hands and said:
“Wah, so fast! I thought this would take the whole night.”
Mrs. Lim smiled and finally poured me the tea she had promised earlier.
Educating the Client
I never leave a job without explaining what happened and how to prevent it in the future. I told the Lims:
- Always address flickering lights early before they turn into major wiring problems.
- Avoid overloading sockets and circuits with too many appliances.
- Have an electrician check your wiring every 3–5 years, especially in older flats.
- If flickering starts suddenly, cut the power and call for help immediately.
Why This Job Stands Out
I’ve handled hundreds of calls for flickering lights in Singapore, but what made this one special was the client’s reaction. They expected a long, expensive ordeal – instead, they got a fast, efficient fix at a fair price. It reminded me that while technical skill is important, clear communication and honesty are just as valuable.
Common Causes of Flickering Lights in Singapore Homes
To help more homeowners understand, here’s a quick guide:
| Cause | How It Affects Lights | Urgency Level |
| Loose wiring | Interrupts power flow | High |
| Faulty bulb | Inconsistent lighting | Low |
| Defective switch | On/off disruption | Medium |
| Voltage fluctuations | Dim or bright surges | High |
| Overloaded circuit | Lights dim when appliances run | High |
What To Do If You Notice Flickering Lights
- Check if it’s just one light or multiple.
- Tighten or replace the bulb.
- Turn off major appliances to see if the flicker stops.
- If unsure, call a licensed electrician immediately.
Why Jurong Residents Should Be Extra Careful
Many HDB flats in Jurong are over 20 years old. This means wiring insulation may be aging, and with Singapore’s weather, deterioration can happen faster. If you live in an older unit and see flickering lights, take it seriously.
Final Thoughts
That evening in Jurong, I left with a grateful client and the satisfaction of knowing I had solved a problem before it became dangerous. Flickering lights may seem small, but in my line of work, they’re often a red flag. If you’re in Singapore and notice this issue, don’t wait – your safety might depend on it.