Light Switch Gets Hot

Posted by DaveR on October 8, 2005, 12:30 pm

I turned on a light switch and noticed a few small sparks inside the
switch as I turned it on. No big deal, or so I thought.

After the lights were on for awhile I there was an 'electric burning'
smell. Sure enough the switch was hot to the touch.

Is it likely that the switch itself is bad and that replacing it will
solve the problem? (That I can easily do myself.)

Or could it be a more serious problem for which I should call an
electrician?

Thanks in advance for any help...

--
Dave

Posted by Mikepier on October 8, 2005, 9:46 am

It could be a bad switch. Or it could be loose wires at the screw
connectors. It's easy to change the switch. Try that first. Of course,
kill the power first before changing the switch. If it's just a regular
2 wire switch, it does not matter which wire goes which.

Posted by Abe on October 8, 2005, 9:55 am

>I turned on a light switch and noticed a few small sparks inside the
>switch as I turned it on. No big deal, or so I thought.
>After the lights were on for awhile I there was an 'electric burning'
>smell. Sure enough the switch was hot to the touch.
>Is it likely that the switch itself is bad and that replacing it will
>solve the problem? (That I can easily do myself.)
>Or could it be a more serious problem for which I should call an
>electrician?
>Thanks in advance for any help...

Try replacing the switch, making sure to use the screws to attach the
wires firmly to the new switch. Don't use the back stab wire inserts.
Also, if the wire insulation has become brittle, make sure to wrap it
well with good electrical tape, or if you have enough slack in the
wire, cut the wires back to where the insulation is pliable.

Also, before turning the power back on, check the wires in the
junction box that the light is attached to. Make sure they are in good
shape and attached firmly. If the insulation is brittle, cut back to
where it's pliable if slack permits, or wrap well with good electrical
tape.

Watch carefully. If the switch gets warm again, something else is
wrong, and you'll need to get it diagnosed.

Posted by Abe on October 8, 2005, 9:58 am

>Try replacing the switch, making sure to use the screws to attach the
>wires firmly to the new switch. Don't use the back stab wire inserts.
>Also, if the wire insulation has become brittle, make sure to wrap it
>well with good electrical tape, or if you have enough slack in the
>wire, cut the wires back to where the insulation is pliable.
>Also, before turning the power back on, check the wires in the
>junction box that the light is attached to. Make sure they are in good
>shape and attached firmly. If the insulation is brittle, cut back to
>where it's pliable if slack permits, or wrap well with good electrical
>tape.
>Watch carefully. If the switch gets warm again, something else is
>wrong, and you'll need to get it diagnosed.

Also follow Colbyt's advice for the 3-way switch scenario.

Posted by Colbyt on October 8, 2005, 4:53 pm

> I turned on a light switch and noticed a few small sparks inside the
> switch as I turned it on. No big deal, or so I thought.
> After the lights were on for awhile I there was an 'electric burning'
> smell. Sure enough the switch was hot to the touch.
> Is it likely that the switch itself is bad and that replacing it will
> solve the problem? (That I can easily do myself.)
> Or could it be a more serious problem for which I should call an
> electrician?
> Thanks in advance for any help...
> --
> Dave

Most likely a bad 50 cent switch. The sparks indicate a loose connection.
If it is a single switch circuit you should be able to do it yourself with
no problems. Just be sure to turn the breaker off before you start. If it
happens to be a three way circuit pair a pair of switches, replace both and
do one wire at a time.

--
Colbyt
One picture can be worth a 1000 words.
Post yours at www.alt-home-repair.com for FREE.
No Banners, No pop-ups, No Spam, No hassle.

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 > last >>

Similar Threads	Posted
Turning 3 way light switch into 1 motion sensor switch	July 4, 2007, 11:16 pm
Adding another switch to a relay operated light switch	September 13, 2008, 8:27 am
adding a new switch/light on to an existing 3-way switch	October 9, 2006, 9:05 am
Need help with blowing fuses in light or light switch	March 25, 2007, 7:14 pm
Light Switch	October 29, 2007, 6:49 am
Help with 3-way light switch	June 26, 2008, 11:10 pm
Refrigerator light switch	October 31, 2005, 6:49 pm
light switch sticking	December 10, 2005, 6:23 pm
3 way light switch dimmers	December 22, 2005, 12:59 am
Light Switch / outlet	December 31, 2005, 2:21 am