A light switch is a simple device, but it can be a real pain when it stops working. If you’re in the dark and can’t figure out why the light won’t turn on, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem yourself.
Say you’ve run through this troubleshooting suggestion list, but you’re still not having any luck. In that case, it may be time to call in a professional electrician or electrical contractor. At Home Pros is an ideal platform for homeowners attempting to fix, remodel, or renovate their homes. If you need an electrical expert, contact At Home Pros first.
Step 1: Check the circuit breaker
The first thing you should do is check the circuit breaker. Circuit breakers protect your home’s electrical system from dangerous surges and other issues related to the current. You can usually find your circuit breaker in a utility shed, basement, garage or other out-of-the-way area.
If the switch is in the “off” position, that’s probably why the light isn’t working. Flip the switch to the “on” position and see if that fixes the problem. If a problem persists (or if the breaker continues to trip), you may have a problem with live wires coming into contact with a neutral one, loose wires or a bad switch.
Before you take any other steps, turn off the power and call in the experts by contacting At Home Pros for recommendations on the most trustworthy electricians in your area.
Step 2: Check the light bulb
If the circuit breaker is in the “on” position and the light still won’t turn on, the next thing to check is the light bulb itself. Make sure the bulb is screwed in tightly and that it’s not burned out.
This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but it’s worth double-checking as this is a simple fix that doesn’t require calling in extra help. You may also notice that, if the switch isn’t totally malfunctioning, you have a flickering or dim light. This is probably due to loose wiring.
Step 3: Check the wiring
It’s important to remember: Messing around with the electrical infrastructure of your home is never a good idea if you don’t know what you’re doing. Before checking for loose or damaged wires, double (and even triple) check that your power is off. If it’s the switch itself that’s faulty, you may be able to swap it out yourself. But if it’s a short circuit — that is, a frayed wire spitting electricity somewhere along the circuit pathway — you’ll need to call in a professional.
If the light bulb is fine, the next thing to check is the wiring. Look for any loose or damaged wires by using a flashlight or headlamp and peering into the electrical box. Keep an eye out for frayed, old or damaged wires. If you see any, you’ll need to replace them.
A bad wire connection happens when the wire isn’t connected to the switch, which may be causing the electrical switch not to work the way it should be. First, make sure that the power is off, then remove the switchplate and disconnect the switch from its circuit wires. This can usually be easily accomplished by loosening the screws to which the wires are attached.
A switch may be secured to circuit wires with push-fit connections instead of with screws. If this is the case, you will need a flathead screwdriver to push into a release slot. If you need to, you can purchase a battery-operated continuity tester for a more complete diagnosis.
Step 6: Know when to call an electrician
If you’ve checked everything and you still can’t figure out why the light switch isn’t working, it’s time to contact At Home Pros. With just a few clicks, our experts will connect you to local, licensed professionals, so you can get the information you need right away.
Safety tips
Electricity wiring can be dangerous to work with, and if you’re feeling at all out of your element, don’t risk it. Call in a top-rated electrician. If you’re doing it yourself, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when working with light switches:
- Always turn off the power to the circuit before working on the light switch.
- Use a voltage tester to make sure the circuit is dead.
- Be careful not to touch any exposed wires.
- If you’re not comfortable working with electrical wiring, call an electrician.
Although it’s uncommon, sometimes it is not the wiring at the switch that’s defective. In some cases, it’s the wiring at the light fixture that’s not working correctly. If you’ve looked at the breaker, the bulb and the wires, but nothing has worked, it may be worth your while to check the wiring at the fixture.
At Home Pros is an easy way to get started on your newest home improvement project, including electrical updates. Contact us today if all of your light switches aren’t working up to your expectations.