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What is wrong with light switch and can I fix it myself?

Asked Dec 22, 2011, 09:57 AM — 1 Answer
Have a wall switch for an overhead dining room chandelier (no dimmer) and when light is switched on it has started flickering the light off and on or just off a bit unless you jiggle it and then it stays on ok. Occasionally after being lit it will suddenly go out (without anyone flipping the switch). Home is 10 year old doublewide. Is this just something wrong at the switch? Needs replacing? Is this something I can do myself (as long as I know which circuit it is on and shut it off before working on it!?) Just see how the old switch connects and install a new one the same way? Or is this possibly some other wiring problem/short/any fire danger? Thanks!

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tkrussell's Avatar
tkrussell Posts: 9,673, Reputation: 3698
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#2

Dec 22, 2011, 10:30 AM


Most likely just a defective worn out switch, and needs to be replaced with a new one.

Switches are usually easy to replace.

However, manufactured homes sometimes do not use standard switches that get mounted in an electrical box.

Some homes use a special "self contained" switch made for manufactuered homes.

See: Electrical switches, outlets, & boxes | Electrical | Mobile Home Parts - Magic Mobile Home Supply, Inc.

If your switch has a box behind it, then a standard switch you can get at any hardware store will work.

If there is only one switch for this light, it is a single pole switch with two terminals plus green ground.

If there is more than one switch,, then it is a 3 - way switch, with three terminals plus green ground. if it is a 3-way, note exactly which wire is connected to which terminal.
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