How To Diagnose and Repair Light Switch Issues
When the lights stop working, the cause may be a blown light bulb or a power outage. Or, more worryingly, it might be a problem with the light switch.
Household light switches can bear a lot of wear and tear, and even these simple devices can experience issues once in a while. This article will examine some of the potential causes of trouble with a light fixture.
Diagnosing a Light Fixture Problem
The first step in diagnosing a light fixture problem is to examine the fixture itself. Homeowners need to make sure the light bulb is screwed in tight and not burned out. They should also check the light bulb socket to see if it is loose or damaged.
After turning off the power to the circuit, they can then examine the electrical connections on both the fixture and the switch. Any loose connections should be repaired.
Troubleshooting a Broken Connection
A broken connection is any spot in the electrical wiring of the fixture or light switch where two conductive parts are no longer making contact. This can happen when the wiring frays, or when terminals are worn or broken. One early indicator of this problem is when the switch is flipped and the light does not immediately turn on, or won't come on at all.
Another indicator is abnormal noises coming from the fixture or behind the switch. A break in the connection won't stop the electricity entirely. Instead, the current will jump over the opening, hopping from one wire to the next. To the human ear, this jump may sound like humming, buzzing or a pop.
Other signs of a broken connection include flickering lights, sudden brightening or dimming of light, and excessive heat from the fixture and bulbs.
Broken electrical contact can be dangerous. If the light switch or fixture exhibits any of these symptoms, it's best to turn off the power at the breaker and contact an electrician as soon as possible.
Fixing a Loose Toggle Switch
Household toggle light switches are made from metal and plastic. As such, they can break or become loose over time due to normal wear and tear. When a toggle is out of place, it can wiggle a bit each time the switch is touched. A loose toggle can interfere with the function of the light and even pose a fire hazard.
A light switch may seem like an easy thing to repair, but this job is usually best left to a professional electrician. Working with household electricity is very dangerous, and an electrician has the training to safely and efficiently repair or replace switches and fixtures. While there, they may also be able to inspect all the switches and fixtures throughout the home to look for other trouble spots.
Get Help From All Services
All Services has been the trusted company for heating, cooling and electrical services in Crown Point, IN since 2006. Their team of contractors has over 25 years of combined experience in indoor and outdoor lighting, switch and outlet repair, and more. They are licensed, bonded, insured and fully knowledgeable of local building codes.
