Have you ever given the light switches in your home much thought? Most people don’t until they aren’t working anymore. Light switches are something that can last forever it seems. You may notice that when your light switches near the end of their life, there are several signs that indicate it is time to change them out. Simon Electric is here to share some of the signs that may be present when it is time to replace your switches with new ones.

Light Switch Makes Crackling or Buzzing Sound

There are a few sounds that you may hear if your light switch is on its way out. If you notice there is any hissing, popping or any crackling at all, it can be a sign that something is off. The cause of sounds like these is arcing that is happening within the switch. This can pose a fire hazard and shouldn’t ever be ignored.

Wall Light Switch Gets Hot

Another sign that your switches may be in trouble is heat. Your switches shouldn’t be hotter than normal. You should know that if you have dimmer switches in your home, they can be hotter than other switches. They have components that are right behind the switches and will generate a little bit of heat. However, if you feel your normal switches and they are hot to the touch, or even warm, they may have excessive voltage and are an indicator that there is a wiring problem.

Delay Between Flipping Switch & Light Turning On

This is the most common sign that your switches are faulty. When you flip the switch on, you should see light right away. When you notice you are all of a sudden experiencing a bit of a delay from the time you switch the light on, to the time that you see the light illuminate the room, it could mean that the components of your light switch are starting to go out. This isn’t any cause for huge concern since there is no hazard involved with this one. You will just want to replace the switch before it doesn’t work anymore.

Dangers of DIY Switch Replacement

While replacing your light switch on your own may seem like a simple enough job, it still poses a risk to anyone who doesn’t have the training and expertise needed to safely get the job done. When you are having dimmer switches installed in your home, it requires more electrical skill than a traditional light switch. There are also smart switches that can be installed or light switch and outlet combos if you are in need of more outlets in the room.

Electrical Wiring Services in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida

If your light switches are showing any of the signs listed above, it may be time for new ones. You can rely on the master electricians at Simon Electric to deliver superior electrical services that you may be needing. We can help you update your light switches with the latest technology to make your life easier. Call us today!