A very small, quick blue flash inside a switch as it's turned on or off can happen in normal use. A bigger spark, a crackle, a burning smell, or a switch that feels warm or loose is different and needs attention.
If you're not sure what you saw, ring 0421 772 661 and we'll check the switch, the connections and the light it controls.
If you see a large spark, smoke, scorching around the switch plate, or smell burning, stop using that switch. Turn off the lighting circuit at the switchboard, or the main switch if you're unsure which circuit, as long as it's safe to reach. Call 000 if there's fire or anyone has been hurt.
Don't take the switch plate off and don't keep flicking it to see if it happens again. Leave it off until it's been checked.
When contacts inside a switch open or close, a tiny arc can jump between them for a split second. In older mechanical switches you might occasionally glimpse that through the gap. It should be tiny, silent and rare.
Warning signs are a visible flash outside the switch mechanism, a pop or crackle, a spark every time, sparking along with flickering lights, or a switch that's warm, discoloured or wobbly in the wall. Those point to a worn switch or a poor connection behind it.
Look and feel the outside of the plate only, with your hand flat, and stop if it's warm.
A switch plate should be room temperature. Warmth means heat is building up behind it.
Brown or black marks around the switch or plate edges suggest overheating or arcing.
A switch mechanism that feels soft, crunchy or doesn't click cleanly is worn.
Note whether the switch controls a dimmer, a fan, many downlights or a heat lamp. Bigger or electronic loads can stress an unsuitable switch.
Flickering, buzzing or lights that come on slowly can be linked to the same poor connection.
Worn contacts. Switches used thousands of times wear out. Pitted contacts arc more and heat up.
Loose terminals. A wire that's not held firmly behind the switch arcs and heats. This is common in older homes and after DIY changes.
Mismatched loads. A dimmer or switch not suited to its LED lights, fan or heat lamp can arc, buzz or fail. Our guide to dimmer switches buzzing with LEDs covers the dimmer side.
Old wiring. In older homes, brittle insulation at the switch can break down. If several switches show problems, the wiring may need a broader check; see old wiring in Inner West homes.
We isolate the circuit, remove the switch, check the terminals and cable for heat damage, and test the circuit. Usually the fix is a new switch mechanism or plate and properly remade connections. Where a dimmer or switch doesn't suit the light it controls, we fit a compatible one.
Sparks from a power point rather than a switch need the same caution: read burning smell from a power point if there's any smell, or power point hot to touch if it feels warm.
A tiny, rare flash inside the mechanism can be. A visible spark outside it, a crackle, heat or a smell is not normal and should be checked.
It can, if arcing and heat continue at a loose or worn connection. That's why you should stop using it and have it inspected.
No. In NSW, replacing switches is electrical work for a licensed electrician.
Often it isn't compatible with the LED lights it controls, or it's worn. A matched dimmer usually fixes it.
Yes, if you saw a real spark or smelt burning. Switch off that lighting circuit at the switchboard if it's safe to do so.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
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