| By :
Autumn Lockwood
Problems with light switches could be a very common occurrence in the home. Although sometimes the solution could be very simple, fixing a light switch problem often needs a certain comfort level for handling electricity. Not having the proper electrical knowledge, performing ones own light switch repairs can be quite dangerous. When you have a light switch that needs repair, you need to first appraise the situation and determine if you have the skill and knowledge to fix it. If not, it is best to contact a licensed electrician. What follows is a listing of some common light switch issues which can be used to help you troubleshoot the problem. Tripped Circuit Breakers and Burned-Out Fuses A tripped circuit breaker or burned-out fuse could make you erroneously think that something is wrong in your light switch. Prior to deciding to automatically go to the store to get a replacement switch, it is best to first examine your fuse or circuit breaker box. If this is the place that the problem lies, resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse should fix the light switch problem. However, in the event you have the problem frequently, it is usually a sign the circuit breaker or fuse has too heavy of a load. If this is the case, make sure you contact an electrician. Light Switches That Are Broken Just like any mechanical device, a light switch can just break. If you see that flipping the switch down and up does not have any impact on the light fixture, or if it feels as though the switch doesn't hold it's position properly, the switch probably just needs to be replaced. Although replacing a switch might seem to be a simple task, it shouldn't be attempted by yourself should you not possess a good level of comfort handling electricity. When performed improperly, a fairly easy light switch replacement job could transform into a risky situation. Glowing, Buzzing or Overheating These highly visible indications of light switch trouble must be addressed immediately. When you have a normal down and up light switch installed, it must never glow, buzz or generate an obvious volume of heat. If it does, it may be a manifestation of an overloaded breaker or maybe a loose wire, both of which may be dangerous safety hazards. You ought to call an electrician immediately when these signs and symptoms of trouble are first noticed. It's important to note that a moderate level of heat or perhaps a slight buzzing could be normal when it comes to a dimmer switch. However, if you have any question, it is best to be safe instead of sorry, and simply call an electrical contractor to assess your situation. Flickering Lights Even though it may be easy to simply attribute a flickering light to a loose bulb, it may also be the result of a loose or bare wire. If any flickering is observed, it is best to immediately try tightening the bulb to see if it fixes the situation. If this doesn't work, you should have the wiring below the cover or plate inspected so that any problems can be properly resolved. If allowed to continue, the end result may well be a fire.
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