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View Full Version : Light swich over heatin wall above smokein for the switch


Armywolf18
Feb 22, 2009, 02:40 PM
The light switch is overheating I'm in a old house I think its older then 50 years because it used to have a coal shoot that used to heat the house... any ways the wires are old there not ruber coated like now and days it looks like string wraped tightly aroudn the wire and some black harding is on it any ways the light switch smokes and the wall above it is warm.. we replace the switch but it smoked a little I turned it off a little bit about to go turn it back on to see if it will do it again any idea's?? Thank you

Perito
Feb 22, 2009, 03:12 PM
Since you already replaced the light switch, then it seems that there's a short circuit somewhere in the circuit. A smoking circuit is a sign of something serious.

Here's some information on Knob and Tube wiring. You can also Google "Knob and Tube":

Knob and Tube Wiring (http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/knob-and-tube-wiring.shtml)

If you don't feel comfortable in your ability to troubleshoot this, It's time to call an electrician. You don't want to burn the house down!