Dodgy Electrics?

[Gmcd01]

First up, I hope the DIY section suits my needs:

I've noticed recently in my parent's house that when I turn on an electric appliance, the lights in that room flicker for a split second. For example, if I turn on the TV or vacuum, the other appliances will dim/flicker momentarily.
Is this a sign of a problem to come? Should I be looking to bring in an electrician? I have no idea about anything electrical- if it's not a car, I can't fix it, but I hope someone out there might know or have experienced this issue (if that's what this is). The house was built in 1982 and I don't believe it's been rewired since.

Thanks in advance!

[alavahalf]

I had a the same fault around a year ago ... I went round the whole house and removed the ceiling rose in every room... I nipped up all the screws at each connection...it did solve the problem.
It's odd how many were loose.

If you are not confident then really its a job for an electrician...

[scotman]

Does this happen with every appliance you switch on or is it more noticeable with high power ones?

[Gmcd01]

Thanks for the answers. It happens with every item I think. I'm afraid I don't know which items are high powered and which aren't! I've noticed it happening with the lights, a vacuum and the televisions in three separate rooms.
However, if an item is already plugged in and on standby (the microwave, for example), nothing happens when I use the item (I don't know if that's obvious or not!)

Thanks again!

[The Builder]

It could be loose connections Gmcd ................ you could get an electrician to run some simple tests on each circuit. It should show up on a continuity test ....... maybe, or an impedance test.
At least you've narrowed it down a bit then.

[Old_Geezer]

In your shoes I'd do what alavahalf did, just make sure you switch things off before jamming a screwdriver into them.

You probably can tell high power from low, most items have the "wattage" written on the back. Failing that, the higher the fuse current in the plug, the higher the power the device takes.

Interesting one, it's the sort of question I feel I ought to be able to answer, but I'm unsure what it is. Dimming lights suggest the power wasn't available for a short while. i.e. turning on the appliance caused a surge to it, and robbed power from those items already on. But if we aren't talking freezers or ovens and such like, then it's difficult to see why it would happen.

Yes best to ensure everything is tightened, and if that fails to cure it, get an electrician in to check out the fusebox/RCD etc.

[Gmcd01]

Thanks for the answers everyone!