Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
Home Repair (alt.home.repair) For all homeowners and DIYers with many experienced tradesmen. Solve your toughest home fix-it problems. |
Reply |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
I am wondering if this is normal. I can see flashes of light sometimes
when I flick on various light switches around the house. It's intermitent but most noticeable at night when there is little light in the room. I am nervous this is going to start a fire. Spoke with the developer they said it's normal. Any thoughts? |
#2
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
wrote in message oups.com... I am wondering if this is normal. I can see flashes of light sometimes when I flick on various light switches around the house. It's intermitent but most noticeable at night when there is little light in the room. I am nervous this is going to start a fire. Spoke with the developer they said it's normal. Any thoughts? This has to be a troll. Even the worst arc wouldn't be visible with a switchplate in place. But just in case it isn't; no, a significant arc when using a switch isn't normal. It will eventually cause damage or fire. |
#3
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
It is normal and as long as the arcing stays within the housing of the
switch it is also safe. Better switches than the cheapest "contractor grade" have a better chance of not arcing but it still can happen because thats what electricity does when a circuit is closed when a load is connected. I bet it dosen't happen on switches that go to receptacles where nothing is plugged in right now. Now if it were a loud pop and the light flickered, then I would say go ahead and replace the effected switches because the contacts have eroded due to too much arcing. wrote in message oups.com... I am wondering if this is normal. I can see flashes of light sometimes when I flick on various light switches around the house. It's intermitent but most noticeable at night when there is little light in the room. I am nervous this is going to start a fire. Spoke with the developer they said it's normal. Any thoughts? |
#4
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
Toller wrote: wrote in message oups.com... I am wondering if this is normal. I can see flashes of light sometimes when I flick on various light switches around the house. It's intermitent but most noticeable at night when there is little light in the room. I am nervous this is going to start a fire. Spoke with the developer they said it's normal. Any thoughts? This has to be a troll. Even the worst arc wouldn't be visible with a switchplate in place. But just in case it isn't; no, a significant arc when using a switch isn't normal. It will eventually cause damage or fire. I put in the cheapos from the depot and can see a spark when I flick on a light in the dark, you have to be at the right angle to see it. Yes I have cover plates on. |
#5
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
It is normal. All standard wall switches under load will cause an arc when
making and breaking. In most cases it's small and not noticeable. If its hissing , crackling,or sparks coming out of the switch body, then change the switch wrote in message oups.com... I am wondering if this is normal. I can see flashes of light sometimes when I flick on various light switches around the house. It's intermitent but most noticeable at night when there is little light in the room. I am nervous this is going to start a fire. Spoke with the developer they said it's normal. Any thoughts? |
#6
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
flash spark normal....
cheap white or biege switch, with cheap cover plate. just forget about it |
#7
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
"RayV" wrote in message oups.com... Toller wrote: wrote in message oups.com... I am wondering if this is normal. I can see flashes of light sometimes when I flick on various light switches around the house. It's intermitent but most noticeable at night when there is little light in the room. I am nervous this is going to start a fire. Spoke with the developer they said it's normal. Any thoughts? This has to be a troll. Even the worst arc wouldn't be visible with a switchplate in place. But just in case it isn't; no, a significant arc when using a switch isn't normal. It will eventually cause damage or fire. I put in the cheapos from the depot and can see a spark when I flick on a light in the dark, you have to be at the right angle to see it. Yes I have cover plates on. If you say so. My house has "contractors" switches, and I have never seen an arc. |
#8
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 00:18:25 GMT, "Toller" wrote:
wrote in message roups.com... I am wondering if this is normal. I can see flashes of light sometimes when I flick on various light switches around the house. It's intermitent but most noticeable at night when there is little light in the room. I am nervous this is going to start a fire. Spoke with the developer they said it's normal. Any thoughts? I think God is talking to you. Pay close attention to the lights and you will understand what he is saying. This has to be a troll. Even the worst arc wouldn't be visible with a switchplate in place. No, it's visible through the lever part of ivory colored switches, especially if it is dark in the room and the switch turns on something that is not a light or something in the other room. Would God do this if no one could see it? But just in case it isn't; no, a significant arc when using a switch isn't normal. It will eventually cause damage or fire. These are little arcs. I think they're normal. |
#9
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
|
#11
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
Electrical flash behind light switch plate
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 18:03:07 -0000, (Chris
Lewis) wrote: _All_ mechanical switches arc. The real question is "how much?" Evem "arcless" mechanical switches arc. But the whole mechanism is submerged in oil, so flammable gasses can't get into the switch and ignite, and then ignite what is outside the switch. |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
books on electrical wiring | Home Repair | |||
How do I know if I need a new switch for 240v? | Woodworking | |||
Anyone, Advice please - another electrical light switch puzzle thing | Home Repair | |||
Re-Post for Wall Switch | Home Repair | |||
3 Speed Fan Switch Replacement--what is the light kit? | Home Repair |