Faulty wiring and other issues related to electrical systems and appliances are the most prevalent causes of home fires in the United States. Because of this, every homeowner should be very careful about any electrical problems in their home, regardless of how minor they may seem at first glance.
Light switches and fixtures are often the first sign of this trouble because they are the most visible. You’ll notice a light that’s not switching on much faster than you might notice a thermostat that’s not functioning as it should, for example. Lights are particularly concerning for homeowners as the wires lead to all parts of a residence, including the external sidings, roofing, basements, garages, and everywhere in between.
To help you figure out what’s happening whenever your light switch doesn’t seem to function, here’s a quick rundown of the most common causes and some simple solutions to consider.
Burned-Out Fuses or Tripped Breakers
While burned-out fuses or tripped breakers can be a pain, it’s important to remember that these components are put into the home for your safety. When your power supply surges and goes above the power rating for your home, the breaker will trip, effectively cutting out the flow of electricity and protecting your home and appliances.
If you experience fuse burn-outs or tripped breakers regularly, arrange to have your electric lines checked out to identify the source of the problem. It may need to be updated to keep up with current load demands.
Loose Wiring
Do not procrastinate until you are entirely in the dark before addressing electric light switch issues. They often start small and grow over time. Sometimes, the lights will flicker on and off when you hit the switch, which might indicate loose wiring under the switch plate.
Instead of making a stable connection between the terminals, a loose screw might allow the wires in your switch to move around. This can be a particularly dangerous situation because loose wires are likely to cause sparks that might ignite.
Buzzing or Hot Switches
Be careful should you notice a buzzing sound or excessive warmth emanating from any light fixture on your premises. This is a sign that electricity is not flowing through its proper pathways and is being transferred to heat rather than light. This is a critical risk factor for house fires.
The cause of this scenario might range from loose wiring to overloaded circuitry, but it should be handled promptly and with the utmost care. Your first action should be to turn off your power at the breaker box and call-in professional electricians or expert contractors to take a closer look at things and ensure there are no lurking dangers you may not have noticed.
Faulty Circuitry
Malfunctioning circuitry is a hidden danger in many homes because it might not show noticeable danger signs until a crisis occurs. An electrician can use a circuit tester to diagnose faulty circuitry accurately.
Under such circumstances, it’s best to call in professional help rather than risk overlooking potential trouble or making things worse unintentionally.
Broken Switch Mechanisms
Most switch mechanisms are made of plastic and are notorious for their fragility. This is probably the most common cause of non-functional light switches. One of the first signs telling you that this is the issue is a switch that is either stuck in one particular position or switches from the ON and OFF positions without any resistance.
Final Thoughts On Electrical Problems
Every homeowner likes to feel capable of taking care of their property without outside help, but any responsible person should understand their limits. While there are some simple solutions we can handle ourselves, most of us will be better off calling in the experts to handle things where electricity is concerned.
Electricians have to go through years of training and experience, memorize countless codes, and be apprenticed to Master or Journeyman Electricians before they are certified to work on your home. This is for good reason. When it comes to your wiring, you want someone who knows which issues are dangerous, how to foresee potential problems, & how to stop anything bad from happening. Because of this, hiring a professional is strongly recommended.
If you have a home in Glenshaw, PA, and need professional help with your roofing, electrical systems, external sidings, gutters, or windows, don’t hesitate to call us. At Ireland Contracting, our dedicated teams of experienced specialists have the tools, training, and passion required to take care of your troubles quickly and cost-effectively. Call us today! You won’t regret it!
