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Light switch crackled, smoked, cut juice, replace switch myself?

Light switch crackled, smoked, cut juice, replace switch myself?


  #1  
Old 03-14-16, 07:32 PM
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Question Light switch crackled, smoked, cut juice, replace switch myself?

A light switch in the bedroom crackled and smoked very slightly and the light would not come on, a second later it would. No more crackling. I cut the juice to the light and felt the wall at that area. No heat, no smoke.

I would like to replace the switch myself and I'm sure I can handle it. What is the step by step process and how do I get the correct replacement switch from Home Depot, Lowe's or Busy Beaver? It is the switch on the left in both images. The house was built in 66 so the switches have probably been there since then. I would like to get this done today.

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  #2  
Old 03-14-16, 07:40 PM
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That switch is WAY newer then 66. That is a 15 mp commercial grade switch. Best thing to do is to:
Turn off the power.
Remove the switch.
Take pictures on how it is wired before you take any wires off.
Remove the wires and take the switch with you to the store to get the correct one.
Reconnect the new switch the same way as the old one.
Install switch back into box.
Restore power and test to see if it is fixed.
 
  #3  
Old 03-14-16, 07:46 PM
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It is easy to change with just basic tool. All you need is a screw driver and may be a long nose pliers just in case.
You can get a cheap residential switch form Home Depot or Lowe's. They are under $2.
Just hook it up just like how old one was.
 
  #4  
Old 03-14-16, 08:13 PM
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Ahh, a matter of simple logic and reason then. Thank you!
 
  #5  
Old 03-15-16, 01:54 PM
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The house was built in 66
Do you have aluminum wiring? If so, disregard all instructions up to now.
 
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Old 03-15-16, 08:48 PM
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I don't know if it's aluminum or not but the instructions here worked fine.
 
  #7  
Old 03-15-16, 08:57 PM
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If your wiring is aluminum, your wires will be silver colored. Tined wire is also silver, but will see copper color (may be brown due to oxidation) at the end of the wire.

If you have aluminum wire, you should use special switch made to accept aluminum wire. Costs more, but procedure is same.
 
 

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