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's 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.

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...f-1162968-.htm

On Sun, 01 Apr 2018 14:44:03 GMT, TrialDog
m wrote:

Main question is whether I need
to cut the power to the switch.

Short answer, yes, cut power to the switch.

On 4/1/2018 10:44 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.


Never heard of that happening. I have no idea if there is a danger, but
when you hear a pop and sizzle, not good. I'd turn off the breaker.
Lights and receptacles are often on different breakers so you may be
able to use the computer. Ot use an extension cord.

Switches are easy to replace, usually with just a screwdriver. Lowes is
open today.

On 4/1/18 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.

Yes. Off is good. Pop, sizzle indicates something arcing/burning.

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...

--

On Sun, 1 Apr 2018 10:57:46 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On 4/1/2018 10:44 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's* 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.


Never heard of that happening. I have no idea if there is a danger, but
when you hear a pop and sizzle, not good. I'd turn off the breaker.
Lights and receptacles are often on different breakers so you may be
able to use the computer. Ot use an extension cord.

Switches are easy to replace, usually with just a screwdriver. Lowes is
open today.

Some structures in the USA built during the late 60's contained
aluminum wiring.

I have personally seen such aluminum wires at outlets and switches
break and short to other contacts.

I have also seen copper wires break and very old switches and outlets
fall apart in boxes.

On Sun, 1 Apr 2018 10:57:46 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On 4/1/2018 10:44 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's* 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.


Never heard of that happening. I have no idea if there is a danger, but
when you hear a pop and sizzle, not good. I'd turn off the breaker.
Lights and receptacles are often on different breakers so you may be
able to use the computer. Ot use an extension cord.

Switches are easy to replace, usually with just a screwdriver. Lowes is
open today.

1. CALL 911 - TELL THEM TO SEND THE FIRE DEPT. WITHOUT DELAY.

2. GET YOUR FAMILY OUT OF THE HOUSE INCLUDING ALL PETS.

3. SHUT OFF THE MAIN BREAKER IN YOUR HOUSE, AND CALL THE ELECTRIC
COMPANY TO DISCONNECT THE POWER LINES GOING TO YOUR HOME. TELL THEM ITS
AN EMERGENCY.

4. CALL AN ELECTRICIAN THAT OFFERS EMERGENCY - WEEKEND SUPPORT. TELL
THEM TO COME IMMEDIATELY, BUT IF THE HOME BEGINS TO BURN, YOU WILL
CANCEL THEIR ARRIVAL BY PHONE.

5. CONTACT RELATIVES TO SEE IF YOU CAN ARRANGE FOR A PLACE TO
TEMPORARILY RELOCATE WHILE THE HOME IS BEING GUTTED TO REPLACE ALL
WIRING AND CLEAN UP ANY FIRE DAMAGE. (IF IT DOES NOT BURN TO THE
GROUND). IF YOU DO NOT HAVE NEARBY RELATIVES, RESERVE A LONG TERM STAY
AT A MOTEL.

6. CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT AND FILE A CLAIM.

7. *DONT PANIC* HELP IS ON THE WAY.