Hi,

I have a light switch used to turn on 1 60-watt bulb over my kitchen sink. The faceplate of the switch is warm to the touch, despite the fact that the light has been off all day.

What could cause this?

Is it a fire hazard?


Is it possible for the other outlets on the circuit with the light switch to affect it?
For example, I have a space heater running in the basement... and it is on the same circuit as this light switch.

This is an older home (built in the mid-50s).


I appreciate any help you can give me! Thank you.

There should be no heat felt at this switch, whether it is on or off, especially off.

There may be splices inside the box that feed power to other outlets, such as the heater you mention, and a splice is loose. May be best to pull this switch out to investigate the condition of any splices inside and remake them if necessary.

Or feed through connection to the heater is using a connection on the switch, such as push in type connections or wrapped around the screw type, and these are loose. Redo these types of connections to a twisted splice with a wirenut.

Tk nailed it, connections, and as far if its on same circuit, probably not, but could feed through.
Loose connections generate heat.