Faulty/Broken light switches Repair
Switches are found in many household appliances, generally used to control common household appliances such as the lights, television, air conditioning, and hairdryer. The main types of switches used in homes to activate electrical appliances are the toggle switch and rocker switch. Light switches are often mounted on the wall near a doorway, allowing a person entering a room to flip the switch to turn on the lights.
Table of Contents:
1. Different types of light switches in Singapore and how they work
2. Design of light switches
3. Choosing light switches for your home
4. Signs that your light switches are faulty
5. DIY replacements of your faulty light switches
6. Reasons why you should avoid DIY electrical repairs
Different types of light switches in Singapore and how they work
1. Single-Pole Light Switch – Has two terminals that can only be switched on or off from one location. Flipping this switch on single-pole models either connects or disconnects the circuit.
2. Double Way Switch – uses an on/off toggle and controls devices such as receptacles and lights from a single location
3. Three-Way Light Switch (single pole, double throw switch) – has three terminals and is connected to two other switches located in two different locations (i.e. top or bottom of the staircase)
4. Four-Way Light Switch (double pole, double throw switch) – can control a light fixture with three or more switches. 4-way light switches are basically combined with 3-way switches in order to control lights from three or more locations.
Whether you are considering which type of switch to install in your new house, or replacing faulty electrical switches, EM Electrical Engineering is your top choice for all your electrical switches installation, switches repair and replacement needs. At EM Electrical Engineering, we put ourselves in the position of customers and aim to minimize the downtime of any electrical-related problem by providing responsive electrical switches repair in Singapore and mitigating future occurrences of such electrical problems.
Design of light switches
1. Push Button Switch – Buttons to be pushed interchangeably to turn the lights on and off. In certain models, the buttons are fitted with springs that enable them to smoothly return to the original position after pressing.
2. Selector Switch – Usually designed with a circular unique/turning knob that controls the light intensity by rotating it. Besides, selector switches also allow for two-mode light control, making them quite versatile.
3. Toggle Switch – Usually designed with a lever that is strategically positioned to instantly connect or break the circuit when moved up or down.
4. Sliding Dimmer Switch – Allows you to turn the light back on to the same intensity you had previously
5. Touch Light Dimmer Switch – Touch control functionality
6. Other additional features – Some switches have a small light that comes on when the switch is off, making it easy to find the switch in the dark. Another type of switch operates with a photoelectric cell, turning the light on at night and off during the day. Some switches are activated with sounds (e.g. clapping sounds), timer, motion sensors, and even from handheld devices.
Not sure which type of electrical switch to select for your household or office? Our team of lisenced electricians will be able to help you with that. By understanding the needs of our clients, we will keep the electrical costs of electrical switches repair in Singapore down without compromising on quality of the electrical switches. Rest assured that we only use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for all of your electrical installations.
Choosing light switches for your home
In the past, light switches had features that made it a simple for people to select them. While modern light switches also serve the same purpose of controlling lighting in work and living spaces, newer models are designed with unique features for enhanced performance, safety, and convenience. These features and specifications usually vary from one light switch type or model to another.
Whether you are experiencing light switches issues that need replacements, building a new home or renovating an old one, it is critical to know how to choose the best light switches for every space. Choosing the right types of light switches will not only save you time but also money that would have been spent on bad light switches.
Recommendation:
Keep in mind the available types and designs of light switches. Light switches differ by their specific functions, sizes, and shapes. For informed decision making, do refer to the types and designs of light switches available in Singapore.
Additionally, when choosing light switches, buyers should consider the preferences of those using the lights. For instance, some elderly and wheelchair-bound people may also have difficulty operating the switches commonly installed in the home due to the location of the light switches, often placed at heights that are not easily accessible. One of the light switches that cater to the needs of these people is the sound-activated switch which can turn an appliance on or off when the user claps while another operates with a voice command.
You should choose a switch that best suits your needs: If you need to control the brightness, a dimmer switch might work. If you want a switch that is simple for children and the elderly to use, a toggle switch may be more suitable.
Signs that your light switches are faulty
1. Light Switch Produces a Large Spark
Small sparks on light switches might not be a big concern if they rarely occur. However, a large spark or a spark that produces noise is a sign of a faulty light switch. Contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible for immediate repair and replacement.
2. Light Fixture Doesn’t Turn on Immediately
This phenomenon occurs when metal parts inside the switch are overused. The electrical wirings are not able to drive electricity around the circuit to complete an electrical path like before, leading to a required replacement of the light switch.
3. Noisy Light Switches
Loose electrical wiring may lead to the production of certain buzzing noises which indicates that the switch is worn out. This suggests that a light switch repair or replacement is due. However, if such noises are produced by a dimmer switch, the source of buzzing is highly likely coming from the lightbulb. The effect of dimming lights usually makes such buzzing sounds.
Having these signs but not sure how to fix them? EM Electrical Engineering provides reliable electrical services including installation and repair of faulty switches in Singapore. Our installations are done using high standard products, paired with our EMA-licenced electricians who are highly experienced on assisting you with any electrical switches’ installation or electrical switches repair in Singapore. We will be on every step of the way with you, from installation to maintenance of your electrical switches, meeting your design requirements and budget allocation.
DIY Replacements of your faulty light switch
1. Avoid DIY electrical repairs if you are untrained or do not have the proper knowledge as it can be dangerous. Engage the help of a licensed electrician for repairs if in doubt.
2. Trying to troubleshoot a wall switch may be difficult as its parts are enclosed inside plastic casing. The solution is usually to contact an electrician to replace the switch. Switches are usually inexpensive and can be replaced for a low cost. However, it is important to know if the switch itself is faulty, or if there is a problem with the wiring such as a loose connection.
3. Protect yourself by ensuring the wires to the switch are dead before you service it. It is important to protect yourself by ensuring that there is no electricity running to the switches that you are trying to troubleshoot. Check your circuit breaker to ensure that power to that section of your house is turned off (Circuit breakers usually have a label for which part of the house they supply electricity to, e.g. Master Bedroom, Kitchen).
4. When troubleshooting the switch, take note of what signs it displays. If the light comes on but is dim or it flickers, it probably is a loose connection. If the light is completely off, the circuit breaker might be tripped.
5. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the switch and slowly pull it out. You will notice that there are still wires attached to it. Next, unscrew the wires connected to the switch with a screwdriver. Note which wire goes into which terminal as it is important to connect it back in the right order.
6. With the new switch, match up the correct wires to their terminals and screw them in. The white, neutral wire goes with the silver screw. The black (or red), hot wire connects to the brass screw. The green (or copper), ground wire goes with the green screw or the electrical box.
7. Screw the new switch back and replace the wall plate (the plastic casing).
Reasons why you should avoid DIY Electrical Repairs
1. Safety – to ensure the safety of your home and family. If you do not have the proper knowledge and training, you may be electrocuted in the process. Even if you have successfully fixed the issue, further complications might arise in the future if the electrical wiring work is not done properly.
2. Inspection Issues – Electrical components might not pass inspection if DIY electrical repair work is not done to meet inspection standards. The electrical components in your home are all supposed to pass inspection. Hence, it is better to leave this job to a professional and expert electrician.
3. GFI implementation – Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) is one of the most important components that people are unaware of. As such, they may likely just install standard outlets that can lead to future problems and risk the safety of anyone in close proximity with the electrical system.
For additional info: GFI is an outlet or a switch that has built-in sensors preventing users from getting electrical shocks from faulty electrical wirings. A GFI is mostly used in areas exposed to moisture such as bathrooms where electric shocks may typically happen. Engage in the services of a certified electrician to repair any of your electrical problems. In this way, they can troubleshoot your issue properly and carry out the necessary works for a GFI installation, if needed.
4. Hidden Electrical Dangers – With all the electrical appliances and components in your home, you might not be aware of hidden electrical connections that can potentially pose electrical hazards. This increases the risk of danger, especially when you try to carry out DIY electrical repairs.
5. Saving Costs in The Long Run – It is less likely that an inexperienced person can fix the electrical problem on the first attempt. On the other hand, hiring a certified electrician will definitely get the electrical repair done in no time.
6. Proper Troubleshooting Leads to better electrical repairs – Professionals are trained in troubleshooting almost all electrical issues possible. They have the expertise to correctly identify the root cause of any electrical problem. It would be good for your home in the long run.
EM Electrical Engineering offers reliable and professional one-stop electrical services with top-notch electrical products and quality workmanship. Our electrical services ranges from emergency service for power failure in Singapore, electrical installations, electrical troubleshooting and electrical repairs. Head over to our reviews page to read what our customers have said about our electrical services and the articles featuring our high-quality electrical services. Call us today at +65 9395 3311 for a non-obligatory electrical troubleshooting or reach us at emelectricalengrg@hotmail.com and we will assign a reliable electrician to attend to your electrical problems in Singapore.
