The first thing you may do when you enter your home is to turn on a light switch. However, the light doesn’t turn on. So, you most likely assume that the bulb is burnt out. But what if this isn’t the case? You may have a broken light switch. Although a switch can function effectively for up to 20 years, light switches can wear out due to loose wire connections or repetitive use, causing them to overheat and short circuit. Read on to learn more.
Signs of a Broken Light Switch
Before calling an electrician in Hampstead, you should know the signs of a faulty switch. If you toggle a light switch on and the connected bulb takes some time before it lights up, it may indicate that the switch is faulty. Also, if the lights flicker before remaining steady, it may be time for a replacement. Such situations often mean that the metal parts found within the switch may be gradually falling, thus reducing the efficiency of its contacts in completing the electrical pathway.
Occasionally, a tiny spark, commonly known as a load arc, may happen when you turn off your home’s light switch. This shouldn’t worry you since it mainly occurs as the switch’s inherent connections are pulled away from each other. However, if you observe a giant spark with an audible snap sound, it’s a sure sign that the switch is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Standard toggle light switches should always remain cool. Therefore, if the one fitted in your home is ever warm to the touch, you may need to replace it. Similarly, a properly working switch should not produce any noise. Any popping, buzzing, or clicking sounds should always be treated as a sure sign of a broken light switch.
Tim Kyle Electric
To learn more about the status of your home’s wiring and the electrical load of the entire system, ask a professional electrician in Hampstead for help. The technicians at Tim Kyle Electric can provide comprehensive solutions. No job is too small. We give 100% to every light bulb change, just as we do to a remodeling or rewiring project. Contact us today.