Have you ever gone to turn on a light and noticed that the switch feels warm or even hot to the touch? While light switches are designed to control the flow of electricity, they should never generate enough heat that you can feel it. If you’re experiencing this issue, it could indicate an underlying electrical problem that needs immediate attention.
At Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, our Denver electricians prioritize your home’s safety. Read on to discover the common causes of a hot light switch, the potential dangers, and what you should do about it.
And if you have a hot light switch at home, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Modern homes use more electricity than ever before, and older electrical systems may not be equipped to handle the increased demand. If your light switch is on a circuit that’s carrying too much electrical load, the excess current can cause overheating. This is especially common in older homes where multiple rooms share the same circuit.
What to do: If you notice a hot light switch along with flickering lights or frequently tripping breakers, it’s time to call a professional electrician from Bell to assess your home’s electrical load.
If the switch in question is a dimmer switch, some warmth is normal. Dimmer switches work by reducing the amount of electricity flowing to the light fixture, which generates some heat. However, if the switch becomes too hot to touch or emits a burning smell, there could be a problem with the wiring or the switch itself.
What to do: Check the wattage rating on your dimmer switch and ensure it matches your light bulbs. If overheating persists, contact a licensed electrician, like the ones at Bell!
A hot light switch could indicate loose or deteriorating wiring behind the wall. Loose connections create electrical resistance, which generates heat. Over time, this can become a serious fire hazard.
What to do: Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit breaker and avoid using it until it has been inspected and repaired by an electrician.
Electrical switches wear out over time. If a switch is old or defective, internal components may not function correctly, leading to overheating.
What to do: If your light switch is several years old and feels unusually warm, replacing it with a new one is a good safety precaution.
Every switch has an amperage rating, which determines how much electrical current it can safely handle. If the switch is rated too low for the electrical load it controls, it may overheat.
What to do: Have an electrician inspect your electrical system to ensure all switches and wiring are properly rated for their intended use.
Yes! A warm or hot light switch should never be ignored. Overheated electrical components can lead to:
If your light switch is hot, don’t take chances—schedule an electrical inspection with a professional Denver electrician from Bell immediately.
If your light switch is hot to the touch, don’t ignore the warning signs. Electrical issues can quickly escalate, putting your home at risk for fires and power failures. The licensed electricians at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical are here to help!
Your safety is our priority—trust Bell to keep your home powered and protected! Call us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your electrical system is safe and up to code.
We’re ready to answer your questions or schedule your appointment, call now or book online!
