Can a Light Switch Go Bad?

A light switch can stop working over time because the contacts—the parts that carry electricity—can eventually wear out. This is the most common cause for a light switch to go bad, but there could be other reasons why you’re having problems with your lights. The best way to deal with a bad switch is to find a licensed electrician near you to diagnose and fix the problem. Here, we walk you through some key things to know about a light switch going bad.

Rule Out These Common Problems First

Before you conclude that a faulty light switch is to blame for a problem turning on the lights, start by ruling out some other possible causes. The most common cause of a light not coming on is a burned out lightbulb. There could also be a tripped breaker causing the light switch not to work. You can reset your circuit breaker at the box to see if that’s the problem. 

The Light Switch Is On, but There’s No Power 

Assuming the breaker isn’t tripped, if there’s no power to a light fixture when the light switch is in the on position, it most often means there’s a gap in the electrical contacts of the switch. There could also be something wrong with the light fixture itself or a problem with the wiring going to the switch. A licensed electrician can help determine the root of the problem.

The Light Switch Is Hot or Warm to the Touch

If your light switch is overheating, you should turn power to it off at the breaker immediately. This can be a sign that there is a problem with your switch and that there is electricity taking an unplanned path somewhere. This can be dangerous because of the risk of shock, so turning the power off to the switch until you can get a licensed electrician to troubleshoot your problem is the safest choice.

The Light Switch Makes Noise or Sparks

Sparking is an obvious sign that there’s electricity arcing inside the switch. A popping sound is also a warning sign of arcing. If these are occurring at the switch, you should turn off the power and hire an electrician to replace the switch. Since arcing can cause a fire, it’s important to address it immediately.

Lights Flicker or Switch Takes a Moment to Respond

If the lights flicker after you flip the light switch on, there could be a problem with the light fixture or with the switch itself. Flickering is often the first sign that the contacts in your light switch are beginning to wear down. Although this problem is often not dangerous, it’s a good idea to have an electrician take a look to make sure you’re not dealing with something more serious and potentially unsafe.