Is this a fire hazard? What do I do?

Question

A light switch for our porch lamp gave me a mild electric (non-static) shock when I touched it today, and when I turn on the porch light it makes a loud sound and flickers. What is this about and what can I do?

Well, there is a light switch. I touched the screw on the face plate and it gave me a strong shock. Then when I turned it on the light flickered very quickly make a loud clicking as it turned on and off. Is there something I can do now to keep the house, you know, not on fire? It is 0:47 in my time zone.

So is it ok if I leave the switch off for right now, the likelihood of a fire before tomorrow am is hopefully not high?

Answer 1

You should turn off the circuit breaker or fuse to any appliance/outlet/switch right away if it gives you a shock, this could potentially stop a weaker person's heart or start a fire inside the wall of your home. This should eliminate the fire risk for now (unless your fire alarm is on the same circuit as this light, VERY unlikely). The clicking sound is arcing (sparks jumping across the contacts) in a switch, this causes flickering, burning smells, overheating, and yes, on occasion FIRE! Just turn off the circuit breaker (in the home's power panel) for this light now and call a qualified serviceman tomorrow.

Answer 2

I am a service electrician. More times than not when you recieve a shock like that from the screw on a switch it is because there is a neutral to ground connection some where in the circuit. It will use you as a path for the power to get back to the source. "Remember electricity does not take the path of least resistance, It takes all possible paths"

Answer 3

This usually means that the neutral wire in the panel is loose. Call an electrician and in the mean time don't touch the light switch. Depending on the load balance, one hot wire may end up being more than 110V, and the other less than 110V, with respect to ground. This is a very hazardous situation - it can destroy your electronic equipment, possibly start fires, and in some situations electrocute you. When you call the electrician, mention the words "possible loose neutral", this should prompt them to get there more quickly. Additionally, it should not be too expensive.
Also, if you're not going to call anyone this evening, leave it alone and if possible turn the breaker off to that outlet/switch.
Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Sounds like a bad connection problem. Your switch is faulty/worn as the insulation of the switch contacts have broken down and electricity is arcing across. I think the light fitting is okay it is making a noise because the rapid flickering of the bulb element.
Replace your light switch and I am sure it will be fine.

Answer 5

Its either a short in the wiring, the circuit breaker, or the swtch itself. You can relpace the light switch and see if that solves the problem. Or call an electrician or handyman. If you're not experienced at this call someone.

Answer 6

I agree with goodguy53. Please, keep the light off for now, till an electrician comes and fixes it properly. Someone else said, and I agree, that you should turn off the power to the switch at the circuit breaker. Take care.

Answer 7

replace the switch - its easy
1 cut the power to the switch at the fuse box
2 remove the switch
3 take note of what wires go to what terminal
4 get new switch and put the correct wires to the correct terminals
5 reinstall the switch
6 turn the power back on and test switch

Answer 8

ok sounds like theres some wires look in the light switch somewhere or the wires are to old maybe and they are loosening up just call a electrition sorry cant spell lol they will fix it in no time make sure they turn it on and test it before you try

Answer 9

I would turn the circuit off at the breaker and call an electrician to come look at it.

Answer 10

Contact a skilled electrician. You don't want to take any chances. You might electrocute yourself or burn down the house.