[jessica_sheen]

We have 2 switches that turn on our can lights in the kitchen. I smelled something today (which turned out NOT to be the light switches), but in trying to identify the smell, I turned the light switch on and noticed a slight (only if you put your nose up to the switch) smell. I then noticed that that you could also smell that (again, very slight) on the other switch to the kitchen lights.

The smell isn't necessarily burning - it's more of a metallic smell.

We know how to switch out light switches (including the 2/3 way ones). But given that it's on both ends, could this be another issue? And given that you only smell it when you put your nose RIGHT up to the switch, is it an issue at all?

Also, the smell dissipates quite quickly! Could it just be the smell of the metal as the current passes through?

Thanks

[ballengerb1]

What is the total wattage of your lights and what is the rating for those swicthes. Are any of them dimmers?

[jessica_sheen]

I updated the question with more info while you were answering - so you might not have picked up the updates.

They are 60 Watt bulbs, I don't know what the rating of the switches are (they are 15 volt is that what you mean) and they aren't on dimmers.

The smell is metallic and it is only there when you turn on and off the light switch.

[ballengerb1]

How many 60 watt bulbs are there in this system? "they are 15 volt " I don't think so, where do you live?

[jessica_sheen]

I live in Round Rock, Texas. There are 8 can lights on the switches. I'm pretty sure all of the light switches in the house are 15 volt (although I haven't checked these specific ones to make sure.

To confirm - this isn't a burning smell - but more of a metallic smell - and only when the switch turns on and off. (I did also notice this smell on a switch in my laundry room with one overhead light).

[ballengerb1]

Lots of folks mistakenly call residential voltage as 110 or 115 but you are only catching parts of that number. Actual voltage is said 120 but is most frequently around 118 Volts in my area. 8 cans at 60 w isn't going to overload any UL approved light switch so there goes my thought. Stanforty, Washington or Stratmando might jump in with a fresh idea or two.

[KISS]

Ok, this is a weird question. I'll do my best.

"15" probably meant 15 AMP.

Residential voltages in the US are now 120/240. No 110/220 stuff. Exactly 120/240, no.

I don't normally go smelling my light switches, but Ozone, a gas that you might smell on a spring day when lightning is present. It has a metallic smell. It's chemical formula is O3, Oxygen is O2 and a small arc would create that smell. Mechanical switches should be designed to snap and thus minimize the arc. This is the reason why you are not to turn on a light switch when you smell gas. To some extent, it's normal. You should not smell it in the room, but locally it's just the small arc ionizing a little bit of oxygen creating ozone.

I'm not sure if a new switch(s) is warranted. I'll bet it's an older switch that doesn't SNAP.