REPLACING LIGHT SWITCHES

Replace light switches with caution

Q: When I flip the light switches in my house, sometimes I hear a crackling, popping noise. Is this dangerous? Is new wiring required or is it something else?

A: The switches could be defective or worn out or the wires at the switch connections could be loose, causing arcing that is making the noises. There is probably nothing wrong with your basic wiring. Switches that make arcing noises can overheat, a definite fire hazard.

The safest course is to replace any switch that is making unusual noises such as hissing, crackling and popping. Switches are not expensive (avoid very cheap ones, since good ones cost only a few dollars each). Many switch replacements are made by do-it-yourselfers, although the wiring of some, such as three-way switches that operate a light from a couple of locations, can be a bit complicated.

The first step is to turn off the current at the entrance panel. Test the electrical wires with a circuit tester just in case the wires are carrying current. Remove the cover plate and the screws that hold the switch to the junction box in the wall.

Grasp the sides of the switch and gently pull it out of the box. Study the existing wiring before doing anything else — the location of these wires is a good guide to wiring a new switch. Simple, single-pole switches might have only three wires — two insulated wires that carry current and a ground wire, which is sometimes not insulated. Note the positions of the wires and mark them with masking- tape labels if necessary.

Loosen the screws that hold the wires in place. If the ends of the wires are damaged or nicked, cut off the damaged piece and expose about three-quarters of an inch of new wire. Some new switches have brass screws to attach the wiring — large screws for hot wires and a small screw for the ground wire. Wires are attached under screws by bending the ends into hook shapes and tightening the screws clockwise. Many new switches have small holes into which straight wire tips can be inserted to make the connections — a time-saving feature.

The Hamilton Spec