Why does a wall light switch sometimes have a little spark on the inside as you turn the switch off.
Wall light switch sparks.
One day you flip a light switch and notice a lovely popping sound.
The pop might even be accompanied by a brief blue flash of light from within the switch.
The light switch contacts are worn out a sparking light switch results if one of the contacts in the light switch are simply worn out.
The occurrence of a visual spark from inside a light switch is most likely an indication that the light switch is beginning to wear out which may be due to a large electrical circuit load that is passing through the light switch.
A light switch is inexpensive and has small parts entirely contained inside a plastic casing so if the switch is bad the best option is to replace it.
But before you replace it you need to determine whether it is the light switch that is faulty or if the wiring is the problem.
Last night i turned off my decora switch in the dark and i saw the switch light up with a spark inside.
The one i just turned off is a light switch that controls power to a socket on the outside of the house.
Diagnosing light switch problems.
Halloween decorations but i have noticed this over the years on different switches in different house.
This can happen due to age and the amount of wear and tear the light switch experienced as a result of repeated use.
Why you may see a spark in your wall switch and what to do about it.
Wiring was good and not ancient.
That said a large spark or a spark that makes an audible noise can indicate a faulty light switch.
If the light switch isn t.
A friend of mine installed these so i know what is behind that wall and the switch was new.
But if the sparking causes smoking or if you notice scorch marks on the cover plate or switch toggle then it is definitely time to replace the switch.