Electrical question....house related

[buckeyefarmer]

If you turn a switch on slowly, it will pop.

 

[General Lee]

If you turn a switch on slowly, it will pop.

I didn't turn it on slowly. Just flicked it on like any other switch.

 

[bky]

I would check all the connections in the switch box. I doubt that the new switch is defective.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Update.......

The night I posted this, I pulled the switch and made sure all connections were tight. The ground wire connection seemed a little loose. The few times I tested the switch afterwards it seemed fine. I went ahead and replaced it today. Tried it a couple times and all was good. Well, I just turned it on for the evening and it popped liked crazy. WTH? Maybe I got a bad switch?

Are you controlling fluorescent lights with this switch? Altho they are efficient when burning, they have a high inrush current when coming on. I get a pop from mine occasionally -- no sizzle. :confused2:
larry

 

[General Lee]

Are you controlling fluorescent lights with this switch? Altho they are efficient when burning, they have a high inrush current when coming on. I get a pop from mine occasionally -- no sizzle. :confused2:
larry

The only thing operated by this switch is a single porch light. Its one of those energy efficient bulbs, Spiral type.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I've had the same thing happen with switches in a bran spanking new home so age isn't the only factor with the switch. It may be a factor but you can't blame age solely.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Electrical-Wiring-Home-1734/bathroom-light-switch.htm

Based on your description...it certainly sounds as if you are describing an "arcing" situation with this switch...but whether it's an internal arcing inside the mechanical section of the switch (caused by overload or wiring problems) ...or actually arcing at a connection (from a loose or back-wried connection)...is unknown.

All modern switches require an assured ground (as do most - if not all) light fixtures and fans. This means that a ground has to run solidly to the green grounding screw on the switches...and to the box - IF metal. And this has to be a complete ground with a solid return path back to the panel. As long as you have all the above...then a grounding problem can be ruled out.

The next thing that would need to be checked is the connection integrity at the switch contacts (do not use "back-wiring" slots on the switches..these are notorious for this type of problem...always wrap your wires around the side screws for the best connection). If the wires are wrapped around the screw in the direction the screw turns to tighten...and the screws are indeed tight....you can rule out a loose connection.

If all the connections and grounds are tight and solid...but you still hear the arcing (hum or buzz)...then either the switch is bad internally...or it has too low of a amperage rating for the load and is overloaded. Are these 15 amp rated single pole switches..?

If the connections and ground are assured as above...then it may be a load or faulty switch problem. I also note that you state this same event happened to an earlier set of switches...which may indicate a wiring or load problem.

If the problem continues - Please follow up with the switch type and rating...and I'll try to help you determine what is causing the arcing.

 

[General Lee]

Cat- I checked all the connections again on the NEW switch, all appear good. There is a bare ground wire attached to the green screw. This arcing appears to be intermittent. Since the new switch has been installed it only arched once and the arcing appeared to be within the switch. The wall plate was off and the room was dark. I didn't see arcing come from any of the actual connections. I pulled the switch the evening and checked all connections and tried the switch a couple of times, got no sizzle or pops but like I said its intermittent.
Also when I said It happened to an earlier set of switches, I meant that I have heard random switches slightly pop or sizzle in this house and my previous one. I have not had an issue with this particular porch light switch until now

 

[jinman]

Well, I would now go to the other end of the issue and change the type of light inside the porch light to see if that had any effect. I'd try a couple of different wattage rated incandescents and the spiral fluorescents. I just think many light switch contacts are not really high quality and you may have to pay big bucks for a switch that won't arc slightly internally. I hear a very faint "spit" from some of the switches in my house from time to time, but not every time.

 

[Dadsgreenpsd]

I have found that anytime you have a switch controlling the newer CFL lighting, you will have arcing/buzzing sounds from the switch from time to time. While conventional lighting starts at low amperage, and goes up, where CFL starts at high amperage, and goes down. Swap out the light bulb, and try again, I bet it doesn't make any noise.

 

[RadarTech]

I have found that anytime you have a switch controlling the newer CFL lighting, you will have arcing/buzzing sounds from the switch from time to time. While conventional lighting starts at low amperage, and goes up, where CFL starts at high amperage, and goes down. Swap out the light bulb, and try again, I bet it doesn't make any noise.

good to know!

thanks for the news..
I had to install 4 of those CFL fixtures in my new home to silence the inspector...
man they were $$$$

one of which I almost just put a face plate over and said nope.. but even got grief when I mentioned that!


J