Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    stargazer19's Avatar
    stargazer19 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 20, 2007, 06:46 PM
    Light switch warm to touch, even when "off"
    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.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Feb 21, 2007, 04:03 AM
    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.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    May 24, 2007, 01:54 PM
    Tk nailed it, connections, and as far if its on same circuit, probably not, but could feed through.
    Loose connections generate heat.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Kenmore Ultra Wash Dishwasher flashing "clean" light needs to be reset [ 110 Answers ]

We paid a Sears repairman to come out when we had a flashing "Clean" light on our dishwasher, A Kenmore Ultra Wash 665.1603 or 1703, and he gave us the diagnostic code (buttons to push on the operating panel) and we have used it again after that, but I cannot find the order of the buttons to push...

"S" Light is on 1991 Honda Accord EX [ 6 Answers ]

I Have A 1991 Honda Accord. Over the last month or so, it will put itself Into "sports Drive." The "S" light on the dash goes on, and it switches to this drive, which revs at higher RPMs (5000 if running 60MPH). How do I fix this? Thanks For Any Help You Can Give

95 Honda Civic "Check Engine" Light [ 15 Answers ]

Hi. Was driving my 95 Honda Civic LX (115000 miles) to work this morning when the Check Engine light came on. Car was not overheating, no obvious problem, oil level fine. Ran all day with no further problem indications, but the Check Engine light stayed on. What is the possible problems?? Note...

Convert a lamp to work on a "hot" switch via pull chain [ 1 Answers ]

My builder wired a light in an arch way with a "hot" outlet. We put our pool table underneath the archway and now need to add a pool table lamp fixture. All the ones I can find require a light switch. Because the archway if solid wood there was no way to wire it to a switch so the builder told...

Chandelier dimmer switch "blowout"? [ 1 Answers ]

My husband and I replaced the chandelier in our dining room two nights ago and also added a dimmer switch. The dimmer switch is rated for 600 watts and we only have five 40 watt bulbs in the fixture. This evening while the fixture was on, there was a loud popping sound and then the fixture went...

View more questions Search