On 4/1/2018 9:44 AM, TrialDog wrote:
Was sitting here, minding my own business, and I hear a small pop/sizzle
from
the light switch and the overhead light came on. Now neither switch will
make
it go off. My main question is whether this is dangerous or whether I
should
cut the breaker to the whole room and not use this computer until an
electrician gets here. I've never replaced a switch or plug, even though
I'm
not completely helpless around the house. It'sÂ* Sunday, so any repairs are
going to likely have to wait until tomorrow. Main question is whether I
need to cut the power to the switch.

"Need" is subjective somewhat but prudence would indicate "yes" for safety.

The switch has failed shorted; hence the other won't turn it off, either.

As others have said, you may find the lights and receptacles aren't on
same breaker; you may find they are, but certainly having a failed
switch permanently "on" is somewhat of a worry altho not highly likely
of being an immediate fire hazard or you'd already have had issues long
before now.

If there are two switches only, you need a 3-way switch; if there are
three or more locations, then it's either a 3-way or 4-way depending on
where is the feed location.

If you're up to giving it a go, do turn off the breaker (I'd do it
anyway just for ease of mind) then open it up and see which you have.
As another said, it's not terribly complicated but do need to know which
you need. Whatever you do, make certain to mark terminals of "who's
connected to whom" before you remove any wires...

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