Dealing with a faulty light switch is usually the last thing a person puts on their to-do list. It just keeps getting pushed off as something that can wait until later.
Nobody wants to change the light switch because most people don’t want to admit that they don’t really know how to change it. Dealing with wires and drywall and hardware stores just isn’t some people’s bag.
Not to fear, though, because you’ll have a few tricks up your sleeve after reading this article.
Dealing with a Faulty Light Switch
We’ll give you some advice on fixing broken light switches as well as keeping an eye on ones that might be going out sometime soon.
1. Are Your Lights Turning on Right Away?
Many of us have had the experience of flipping on a light switch and noticing a little lag between the flip and the light coming on. This probably means that the contacts (conducting points) within the light switch are getting old.
They’re beginning to fail, and they will soon be completely useless. You might as well replace that light switch before it goes dead on you.
2. Is Your Switch Buzzing?
Light switches have been known to make a lot of strange sounds. All of the abnormal sounds that come from a light switch, though, kind of have the same feel to them. They’re always buzzing in one way or another.
This could be harmless, but in many cases, it means that there is a loose wire somewhere in the mix. It could also mean that your switch is too worn to use. If you hear a consistent buzzing in any switch, make sure to replace it.
3. Turn off the Main Circuit Breaker
Before you start tinkering with the light switch, make sure you turn off the power that leads to the switch. It will be at the fuse panel or main circuit breaker.
Each house is different, but you will know if you set up any of the wires. If not, there should be some direction as to which wires lead to wear.
If it comes to it, just air on the side of caution and shut off everything around it. You don’t want a shock.
4. Unscrew the Switch and Pull out the Wires
Once you unscrew your switch from the wall, there should be a couple wires attached to the back of it. There should be a black wire, a green or bare copper wire, and another wire that is any color except the other two.
The black wire is called the hot wire. The green or bare copper wire is called the grounding wire, and the other wire is called the return wire.
5. Replace the Wires on the New Switch in the Same Way
The indications that corresponded with the original switch should be the same as those on the new one. Make sure that all wires are in the correct location before beginning to screw the new switch back into the wall.
Contact a Professional
If the process of dealing with wires sounds a little daunting to you, there’s only one thing that you should even think of doing: calling a professional.
Electricians know what they’re doing so that you don’t have to. A faulty light switch, small as it may be, could lead to a serious injury. If you need any electrical issues identified by a professional, we have the information you need.