Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ Moderate

Estimated Time: 15–45 Minutes

Applies To

✔ Hikvision

✔ Dahua

✔ Uniview

✔ Longse

✔ LTS

✔ Axis

✔ Hanwha

✔ Reolink

✔ Most ONVIF Compatible Systems

Why Is My Security Camera Flickering?

A flickering security camera can make surveillance footage difficult to view and may indicate an issue with power delivery, video transmission, camera settings, or environmental conditions.

Some causes are simple to correct, while others may require professional diagnostics.

Common Symptoms

You may notice:

Video flashes on and off
Image flickers continuously
Horizontal rolling lines
Random black screen
Intermittent video loss
Camera disconnects briefly
Image cuts in and out

Common Causes

1. Unstable Power Supply

One of the most common causes of flickering is inconsistent power.

Possible causes include:

Failing power adapter
Overloaded power supply
Damaged PoE switch
Loose power connection

Power fluctuations may cause the camera to reboot repeatedly, creating intermittent video.

2. Damaged Ethernet Cable

For IP cameras, damaged network cabling can interrupt both power and data.

Inspect for:

Crushed cable
Water damage
Loose connectors
Rodent damage

Testing with another cable is often the quickest way to eliminate cabling as the cause.

3. Loose Camera Connections

Loose connectors may cause intermittent communication.

Check:

RJ45 connectors
PoE ports
Patch panels
Network switches

Even slight movement can create temporary video interruptions.

4. Electrical Interference

Nearby electrical equipment may introduce interference into surveillance systems.

Possible sources include:

Large motors
Elevators
Industrial equipment
Variable frequency drives
High-voltage wiring

Proper cable routing helps reduce electrical interference.

5. Incorrect Camera Settings

Frame rate, exposure, shutter speed, and anti-flicker settings may contribute to unstable images under certain lighting conditions.

Adjusting these settings can improve image stability.

6. Camera Hardware Failure

If all wiring and settings appear normal, the camera itself may have developed an internal hardware fault.

Troubleshooting Checklist

Before requesting service:

✅ Restart the recorder.

✅ Restart the PoE switch.

✅ Check camera power.

✅ Inspect Ethernet cables.

✅ Verify all network connections.

✅ Review camera image settings.

✅ Test another camera on the same port.

Why Does My Camera Only Flicker at Certain Times?

Some flickering occurs only under artificial lighting.

LED, fluorescent, and certain industrial lighting systems may interact with camera shutter settings, producing visible flicker.

Adjusting the anti-flicker setting (50 Hz or 60 Hz depending on your region) often resolves the issue.

Prevent Future Flickering Problems

Routine inspections help identify:

Loose connections
Power supply issues
Cable damage
Network hardware problems
Camera image settings
Developing hardware failures

Preventative maintenance minimizes unexpected surveillance downtime.

Eliminate Camera Problems with SecureView System Health™

SecureView System Health™

Intermittent camera issues are often difficult to detect until they become serious.

SecureView System Health™ provides scheduled remote inspections designed to identify offline cameras, unstable connections, recording issues, and other surveillance system health concerns before they interrupt your security coverage.

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When to Call a Professional

Professional service is recommended if:

Flickering continues after replacing cables.
Multiple cameras experience the same issue.
Power supplies appear unstable.
Electrical interference is suspected.
Camera hardware appears defective.

A qualified technician can diagnose power problems, verify network integrity, and restore reliable camera operation.

Related Troubleshooting Guides

Continue exploring our Security Learning Center:

Professional Services

Commercial Security Camera Service & Repair

SecureView provides professional diagnostics, power troubleshooting, network repairs, camera replacement, and preventative maintenance for commercial surveillance systems throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Learn More →

SecureView System Health™

Help reduce unexpected surveillance interruptions with scheduled remote system inspections.

Learn More →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my security camera flickering only at night?

Nighttime flickering may result from unstable power, failing infrared components, or improper exposure settings.

Can bad Ethernet cables cause camera flickering?

Yes. A damaged Ethernet cable can interrupt both power and network communication, resulting in intermittent video.

Can LED lights make security cameras flicker?

Yes. Some LED and fluorescent lighting systems operate at frequencies that interact with camera shutter speeds. Adjusting the anti-flicker setting often resolves this issue.

Should I replace the camera immediately?

Not necessarily. Power supplies, network cables, and camera settings are more common causes than hardware failure. Troubleshooting those components first can prevent unnecessary replacements.