Why Did My Lights Flicker Right Before Midnight? A True Eastbourne Tale

A Flicker in the Night: How It All Began

It was just before midnight when Mrs. Carter, a lifelong Eastbourne resident, noticed the hallway lights flicker again. It wasn’t the first time—but this time, something felt off. The kitchen kettle turned off unexpectedly, her TV went blank, and a faint warmth lingered in the air. Not quite burning, but definitely worrying.

That’s when she called M and M Electrical Services Ltd—and it might have saved her home.

Need an Emergency Electrician in Eastbourne?

We responded to Mrs. Carter’s call within the hour. At M and M Electrical, we pride ourselves on rapid-response emergency electrician services in Eastbourne. Whether it's late at night or early in the morning, our team is ready to help when things go dark.

Diagnosing the Problem: Why Lights Flicker

Upon arrival, our qualified engineer quickly got to work. The culprit? Loose wiring in an outdated consumer unit, causing irregular surges. If left unchecked, it could have resulted in a fire.

This situation is more common than you might think. Here’s what flickering lights can indicate:

Common Causes:

Common Causes:

• Loose Wiring
• Overloaded Circuits
• Aging Light Switches
• Grid or Supply Instability

Never ignore flickering lights. It’s your property’s way of waving a red flag.

What to Do If Your Lights Flicker

Here are some immediate actions you can take:

• Turn off affected circuits.
• Unplug major appliances.
• Contact a qualified emergency electrician in Eastbourne.
• Never attempt a DIY fix—leave it to professionals.

Is It Time for a Full House Rewire?

In Mrs. Carter’s case, replacing the consumer unit solved the issue. But for many properties—especially older ones—a full rewire might be necessary.

Visit our Full House Rewire Eastbourne page for more details.

We provide:

We provide:

• Full rewires for homes and HMOs
• Electrical upgrades for new builds
• Wiring for property developers across East Sussex

If your home is over 30 years old and still has original wiring, it's time to get it checked.

Fire Alarm Systems: Protection Beyond the Flicker

During the follow-up inspection, we asked Mrs. Carter about her fire alarm. To her surprise, it hadn’t been tested in over a year.

We scheduled a visit to carry out fire alarm servicing in Eastbourne. Our certified engineers tested the system, replaced an outdated smoke detector, and gave her peace of mind.

Our Fire Alarm Services:

• Fire alarm installation
• Fire alarm servicing & maintenance
• Fire alarm testing for HMOs and hotels
• Compliance with BS 5839 standards

Whether you're a landlord, hotelier, or business owner, we’ve got you covered across Eastbourne and East Sussex.

Don’t Overlook Emergency Lighting

Imagine a blackout. How would you get out safely?

That’s why emergency lighting isn’t optional—it’s essential. We asked Mrs. Carter if she had any installed. She didn’t.

So we walked her through our emergency lighting services in Eastbourne, including design, installation, and testing.

We Offer:

We Offer:

• Emergency lighting installation
• Monthly and annual maintenance services
• Emergency lighting testing for businesses and landlords

All compliant with BS 5266 regulations.

Routine Emergency Lighting Testing: What’s Required

Daily – Visual check by the responsible person

 Monthly – Functional test of all units

 Annually – Full-duration inspection by a competent professional

Our Eastbourne-based engineers are qualified to carry out all levels of emergency lighting maintenance across commercial, domestic and HMO properties.

Why Choose M and M Electrical Services Ltd?

• Local experts: Based in Eastbourne, serving the surrounding areas
• NICEIC registered and fully insured
• Approachable, reliable team
• Transparent pricing & free inspections
• Domestic and commercial electrical solutions

Want to know more about what makes us different? Read our full about page.

What Clients Say About Us

“Max was calm, fast, and professional. He explained everything clearly and fixed my power issue in one visit. I couldn’t recommend M and M Electrical more. The next day, I had a fire alarm check booked too! Five stars.”

 — Mrs. Carter, Eastbourne

Safety Tips for Homeowners & Landlords

1. Test your fire alarm monthly
2. Book annual servicing for fire and emergency lighting systems
3. Call a professional at the first sign of flickering or power loss
4. Schedule a rewire inspection if your property is over 25 years old
5. Use qualified electricians in Eastbourne with NICEIC credentials

Conclusion: When a Flicker Isn’t Just a Flicker

Mrs. Carter’s story could have gone very differently. But she called the right team, and in doing so, avoided what could’ve been a serious emergency.

At M and M Electrical Services Ltd, we don’t just repair faults—we prevent disasters.

From full rewires and fire alarm servicing to emergency lighting maintenance and emergency electrician callouts, we’re proud to help homeowners and businesses across East Sussex feel safe and powered 24/7.

FAQs

1. How often should I schedule fire alarm servicing for my business in Eastbourne?

At M and M Electrical Services Ltd, we recommend having your fire alarm system professionally serviced at least once a year. For businesses in Eastbourne, including HMOs and hotels, regular fire alarm maintenance ensures compliance with BS 5839 and keeps your premises and occupants safe. We offer tailored fire alarm testing for businesses in Eastbourne, with detailed certification and servicing by qualified engineers.

2. What’s included in emergency lighting servicing in Eastbourne?

Our emergency lighting servicing includes visual inspections, functional testing, duration tests, and certification in compliance with BS 5266. We carry out monthly and annual emergency lighting testing in Eastbourne, making sure your systems work properly in a power outage and your building remains legally compliant and safe.

3. I'm a landlord with a property in Eastbourne—can you help with HMO fire alarm systems?

Yes! We provide fully compliant HMO fire alarm design, installation, servicing, and maintenance in Eastbourne. Our team is experienced in working with landlords and property managers, ensuring your alarms meet all legal fire safety standards.

4. Do I need a full house rewire if I notice flickering lights?

Flickering lights can be a warning sign of loose or outdated wiring. If your property is older or you’re experiencing repeated power issues, you may need a full house rewire. We offer expert rewiring services across Eastbourne, including full upgrades for HMOs and domestic homes, all completed to current electrical safety standards.

5. What qualifications do your electricians have?

All our engineers at M and M Electrical Services Ltd are fully qualified, NICEIC-registered, and have extensive experience in domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical work. Whether it's a simple socket replacement, full rewire, fire alarm installation, or emergency lighting maintenance, you can trust us to complete the job to the highest professional standards.