Saskatoon Electrical Services: Why The Light Switch Isn’t Working

When you flip the light switch, you expect it to turn on. If you don’t get light, the first thing you might do is replace the bulb. When that doesn’t fix the problem, you’re forced to look at other repairs. Most people take their electrical wiring for granted, never imagining that it might give out. A malfunctioning light switch is nothing to panic over. You might not even need an electrician in Saskatoon to fix it. Of course, you might want to have one take a look at it just to make sure it’s up to code and won’t give out again or cause a fire. Here are common reasons that a light switch may not work.

Fuse Burnout

A tripped circuit breaker or a bad fuse can be one reason the light switch isn’t working. It’s a pretty easy fix to check the breaker before you take anything apart. If it’s a one-time occurrence from overloading the circuit, just remember that you have to be careful when plugging in appliances to that circuit. If it keeps happening, you may want to have an electrician in Saskatoon check it out.

Loose Wire

If you replace the bulb and it flickers, it could be that you have a loose wire. The key is finding the wire that is loose because it could be in the housing where the bulb fits or in the light switch itself. Working with electrical wiring isn’t always a DIY project, because if you don’t fix it correctly, you could end up with a fire. Alternatively, you could also injure yourself while dealing with electricity.

Hot or Buzzing Switch

If the light switch feels warm or you hear buzzing, don’t wait to make repairs. These issues are more serious but usually caused by a loose wire or overloaded breaker. Turn the breaker off and call an electrician for electrical repair services.

Faulty Circuit Cable

Even if your home is newer, you may have a problem with the wiring in your home. Older homes weren’t designed to carry today’s electronic load, so the wiring could be aged and deteriorating. Faulty wiring causes dimming or flickering. The light switch may even have a charred look. You could even be shocked when you turn on the light. This is another serious problem, but it is fixable.

The Light Switch Is Faulty

In some cases, it’s simply that the light switch doesn’t work and needs to be replaced. If the switch is stuck or tight, the easiest thing is to replace the switch. The mechanisms in the switch aren’t designed to last forever. If you do have to replace the switch, now might be the time to look at dimmers or smart light switches. For some rooms, you could install an auto-light switch to make it easier for kids to get the lights on and to avoid leaving lights on.

Should You Call an Electrician or DIY?

Fixing a loose wire might be a DIY project, but you need to look at your experience and skill in handling small repairs around your home. Ask yourself if you have the right tools to handle electrical repairs. Chances are you have needle-nose pliers and both Philip’s head and a flathead screwdriver, but you may also want to have a circuit tester to help you find the right wires to repair. Replacing a light switch isn’t a difficult project, but if you aren’t confident in your skills, it might be a good idea to call Handyman Connection for electrical repair services. When it comes to electrical repairs, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact us to make an appointment for a quote for repairs to your home.