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4 Reasons Why Your Light Switch Won’t Turn Off
Let’s shed some light on the problem
Photo: Maskot / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Photo: Maskot / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Highlights
The cause of a constantly on switch could be a tripped breaker, faulty switch, or short circuit.
Handling a light switch that won't turn off is riskier than fixing other household problems.
If it's a circuit issue, the problem could be located anywhere in the electrical pathway.
Calling a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the problem is the safest solution.
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If your light switch won't turn off, it's time to put your investigator hat on to explore some common causes of light switch errors. Unlike some household nuisances, a light switch that's staying on requires extra caution due to the fact that the root cause could be an electrical problem. Read on to learn why your light switch won’t turn off.
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1. Faulty Switch
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The problem might be a surface-level one if your light switch won't turn off. Loose toggles, sliding mechanisms, and other mechanical issues within the switch itself can make it impossible for internal sensors to connect. Is the light switch old? Has it recently been "bumped" or "smashed" by something? Switches can become faulty from both age and impact. If you notice any heat, "sizzling" noises, or signs of searing around the switch, it's probably time for a light switch replacement.
If there are no obvious signs of damage, a battery-operated continuity tester can help to determine if the switch is faulty. You can only do this once the circuit has been shut off. Call a licensed electrician if you don't have experience with testing switches.
2. Tripped Breaker or Blown Fuse
Once you rule out issues with the physical switch, head to your home's electrical service panel to check the breaker or fuse. How do you know which one you have? While a breaker box has switches, a fuse box has small circular fuses.
If you see a tripped breaker, resetting it may do the trick. However, a blown fuse requires a fuse replacement.
Circuit overload, ground-fault surges, and other issues can cause a breaker to trip. If the breaker repeatedly trips after you've reset it, you may need to repair or replace the breaker box.
3. Three-Way Switch Malfunction
A light switch that refuses to turn off may be the result of a malfunctioning three-way switch. In some cases, three-way switches won’t cooperate due to incorrect wiring or loose connections within the switch box. If you suspect this is the culprit of your always-on light switch, hire a local electrician to check and resolve your home wiring issues.
4. Short Circuit
Photo: Benjamin Clapp / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
If your light switch won't turn off because of a short circuit, this is usually a job for a licensed electrician. Determining where in your home's wiring pathway a short circuit has occurred can be difficult.
A short circuit happens when a loose or damaged wire pushes the current beyond the normal electrical pathway. You have to unscrew and remove the wall plate in order to inspect it. This requires the use of a circuit tester to check for live wires before touching any wiring. You'll also need to know how to judge the quality of wire connections. Both the electrical box and switch may need to be inspected.
Due to the potential complexity and danger of this task, checking for a short circuit after a light switch stops working is best left to a licensed electrician.
Cost to Replace a Light Switch
A faulty light switch can be a frustrating issue to deal with in your home. But how much does it cost to replace a light switch? The cost can vary depending on a few factors, such as the extent of the damage and the electrician you choose.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for a single light switch replacement depending on the type of switch. Keep in mind that attempting to fix the issue yourself can be dangerous and ultimately cost you more in the long run, so it's best to leave electrical work to the professionals.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Replacing a light switch is a fairly easy and inexpensive project that DIYers with electrical experience can handle, saving lots of money on labor costs.
Working with electricity always presents some level of danger, so shut off the power and use a multimeter or voltage tester to ensure your safety. If you are not 100% comfortable doing electrical projects or think your light switch is having issues due to a short circuit or breaker problem, always hire a local electrician to replace your switch.
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