It seems innocent enough. You turn on your light switch and it crackles a bit, or pops loudly. You might think that this is normal. After all, with an electric current running through the switch, a little tangential electrical noise is okay, isn’t it?
The answer is that you should never fool around with electricity – and a faulty light switch is a problem that needs to be dealt with. Here’s why:
How a Light Switch Works
Electricity provides a continual flow of current which powers the lights, appliances, and other fixtures in your home. The common single pole switch is one of the most basic electrical devices in your home. The basic operation of a light switch is also simple.
The light switch has two terminals. When in the “on” position, the power supply wire connects these terminals, allowing the electric current to flow and powering the light. When you set the switch to “off”, the current is interrupted and the light turns off. All the switch does is control the flow of electricity to a device by making (closing or turning on), or breaking (opening or shutting off) a circuit.
This electricity flow creates heat, which is contained and protected within insulated wires. Loose or faulty wiring anywhere along the electrical circuit can cause the electric current to escape this insulation, causing it to arc as it searches for a way to reconnect. If the current escapes the wiring, heat can build up rapidly and result in a serious fire hazard.
Because light switches are mechanical devices, and are heavily utilized in home or business environment, it is not surprising that switch components may wear out or malfunction eventually.
- Every time you turn a switch on or off, a minute ‘arc’ or ‘spark’ is generated as the contact is made or broken. This arcing can result in electrical wear or a pitting of contact surfaces. This wear can cause resistance to the flow of electricity, which then produces heat which can further damage the mechanism.
- If the switch no longer allows the two terminals to connect safely, the power current may “jump” to try to restore connection – resulting in that crackling or popping sound.
- Some homeowners report that tapping on the switch plate can encourage the connection, but this is a temporary fix which recognizes that the wiring connections are not working properly.
Replacing a Light Switch
Replacing a light switch is not a complicated process. However, due to the danger that electricity can pose, Sarasota homeowners should not attempt even what appears to be a simple repair unless they have experience in this area. We recommend you leave all electrical repairs to a professional electrician.
If you do decide to open up the switch to determine the problem, be sure to turn off the source of power before unscrewing the plate. Never attempt to change or reconnect wiring while the power is still live, as this could result in injury, electrocution, or fire.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry about these types of repairs – you can simply call Promise Electric of Sarasota. We can assist with the installation of new light switches or outlets, perform thorough inspections of the wiring, and upgrade or replace all outdated electrical components.
