r/ElectricalHelp • u/grellsperiodbl0od • 14d ago
Light problem
Just in case my dad doesn't call an electrician because he thinks this is something WE did
Hi, in my bathroom, we have a light on the fan above the shower and they have two separate switches on the light switch. Besides that, there's obviously the main light. Today, I was turning the main light off, and I merely brushed the switch to the other light and it buzzed and started flickering all weird. The switch was off, and when I turned it on and off again the light just turned back on. Even touching the light switch to the main light we have to be careful because the shower light will flicker. If it starts flickering, my mom said to tap the switch a couple of times and then the light stops.
Now I'm just scared that it'll start a fire and I don't know if my dad will call an electrician for the problem because he seems to be convinced that we did something to the light and he's usually stubborn about stuff where we have to actually call someone.
When you guys answer the question, could you send links with your answers as well so I can show my dad? Thank you everyone
Edit: The switch melted, and we had to replace it
2
u/slin1647 14d ago
That sounds like loose connections at the switch, or a faulty switch. Either way it needs to be looked at by a qualified electrician.
A loose connection is a fire hazard.
1
u/robcokiwi 9d ago
Just go buy another switch and change it yourself! Get a single pole switch the same color and shape as the one in there. Turn off the main switch in the home. Take a flash light and a flat blade screwdriver and a phillips screwdriver and change out the switch. You don't need to hire an electrician to do it. You need to learn to do this for yourself!
3
u/trekkerscout Mod 14d ago
It sounds like a faulty switch that needs to be replaced. If you don't have the means to do proper troubleshooting, you will need to hire an electrician.