BigStewMan Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 Light switch toggle is loose. what I mean is that it moves up and down very easy ... easier than in the past. light still works and the panel appears normal neither it or the wall are warm to touch. Is this just a nuisance of is there a risk of fire? Noticed it that way yesterday; but not sure how long it's been this way. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 NO WORRIES -- are you sure the toggle switch is not loose in any way inside the wall ----you should have 2 flat screws holding the front cover ------and 2 more screws holding the toggle switch inside the wall behind the outer cover --------these 2 internal screws must be tight or the toggle can move somewhat ---- there are more screws for the positive and the negative wires / ground, these cannot be loose at all ---------best advice is to replace the toggle switch if all screws are tight 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted January 4, 2021 Author Share Posted January 4, 2021 I haven't opened it up since I'm just renting. the bathroom switch has three toggles, regular light, fan, and sunlamp. just the sunlamp toggle is a bit loose. just curious how quickly I need to notify maintenance of this ... obviously if it was a fire threat, I'd have to get them out here immediately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 2 minutes ago, BigStewMan said: I haven't opened it up since I'm just renting. the bathroom switch has three toggles, regular light, fan, and sunlamp. just the sunlamp toggle is a bit loose. just curious how quickly I need to notify maintenance of this ... obviously if it was a fire threat, I'd have to get them out here immediately. Bathrooms are humid areas -------call maintenance asap- the sun lamp draws quite a bit of power ---it will take them 15 minutes to replace a Toggle switch - make sure they throw away the toggle switch - or bust it with a hammer - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted January 4, 2021 Author Share Posted January 4, 2021 now you're confusing me ... first you said No Worries, now you say call maintenance ASAP. again, my concern is primarily safety. so trying to figure out if there is a fire danger or is this just a nuisance that can be fixed whenever? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 15 minutes ago, RandyH000 said: NO WORRIES -- are you sure the toggle switch is not loose in any way inside the wall ----you should have 2 flat screws holding the front cover ------and 2 more screws holding the toggle switch inside the wall behind the outer cover --------these 2 internal screws must be tight or the toggle can move somewhat ---- there are more screws for the positive and the negative wires / ground, these cannot be loose at all ---------best advice is to replace the toggle switch if all screws are tight Two things that most tract homes need. The wires in the light switches may be in the switch using a push terminal in the back. These always loosen over time. You need to take the wire out and attach to the side screw and screw down really tight. On a similar note, replace all of your outlets with the 'mid grade' or better outlets from the Home Depot as the cheap ones in tract homes always wear out and become loose where the plug goes in. Same thing, use the side terminals and screw down really tight. If you rent, you will not care, but if you own, this needs to be done. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceptorman Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 6 minutes ago, BigStewMan said: now you're confusing me ... first you said No Worries, now you say call maintenance ASAP. again, my concern is primarily safety. so trying to figure out if there is a fire danger or is this just a nuisance that can be fixed whenever? I don't think it's serious, things just wear out. How old is the place? It's super easy to replace a switch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 Nobody wants a limp switch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted January 4, 2021 Author Share Posted January 4, 2021 2 minutes ago, Ceptorman said: I don't think it's serious, things just wear out. How old is the place? It's super easy to replace a switch. Hey Bill ... I have no idea how old this place is. generally in good shape and I've heard that a loose switch is normal wear and tear -- I mean they are used A LOT. since I'm renting here, I don't want to monkey with repairs and let maintenance deal with it. once upon a time, I tried to fix something myself and made the situation worse, cost me a pretty penny getting a pro to come in a get it right ... I could have had it done for free by calling the landlord; but since I didn't, I was responsible for the further damage. lesson learned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 21 minutes ago, BigStewMan said: there is no danger if you dont use the switch any longer until you have it replaced --by the landlord , by not using it , you're ok 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceptorman Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 4 minutes ago, BigStewMan said: Hey Bill ... I have no idea how old this place is. generally in good shape and I've heard that a loose switch is normal wear and tear -- I mean they are used A LOT. since I'm renting here, I don't want to monkey with repairs and let maintenance deal with it. once upon a time, I tried to fix something myself and made the situation worse, cost me a pretty penny getting a pro to come in a get it right ... I could have had it done for free by calling the landlord; but since I didn't, I was responsible for the further damage. lesson learned. Hey Steve.....I'm sure your place is new enough that if a wire inside an electrical box shorted out it would kick a breaker, blow a fuse? Buzz them at your convenience, but I wouldn't worry to much about it. Do you feel good about the place? I'm sure you do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofers and Tweeters Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 37 minutes ago, RandyH000 said: NO WORRIES -- 26 minutes ago, RandyH000 said: Bathrooms are humid areas -------call maintenance asap- 21 minutes ago, BigStewMan said: now you're confusing me ... first you said No Worries, now you say call maintenance ASAP. I just can't. 🤐🤪 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted January 4, 2021 Author Share Posted January 4, 2021 6 minutes ago, Ceptorman said: Hey Steve.....I'm sure your place is new enough that if a wire inside an electrical box shorted out it would kick a breaker, blow a fuse? Buzz them at your convenience, but I wouldn't worry to much about it. Do you feel good about the place? I'm sure you do. I just looked the place up ... built in 1992 and renovated in 2018. seems to be in pretty decent shape. Been here 18 months and haven't had a problem. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lbk Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 If switch shorts out the fuse/relay should blow in fuse box preventing a fire. If you have a good/quick. main. crew I would let them do it. It's not hard to do yourself just make sure you remove fuse/trip relay so you don't get shocked. Google search on how to replace light switch should show you what you are getting into. A good replacement switch at HD should run about 7 bucks. I would take out old switch and take it with you to make sure you get the correct switch. Don't forgot the fuse/relay will turn off more than the one switch and could affect memory ect. on other devices. Good luck! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bosco-d-gama Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 The 60 cycle of alternating current can physically loosen wires attached by screws by vibration. But this usually results in failure of the switch to function, no light. Sounds like your switch is merely loose at its hard point screws. Remove the switch plate and inspect it. The fire hazard should be minimal as the wires are well separated and are designed to fail safe per UL guidelines. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 Just make sure the maintenance guy doesn't watch "Tool Time". JJK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 Do you own a flat blade screwdriver? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted January 4, 2021 Author Share Posted January 4, 2021 4 hours ago, CECAA850 said: Do you own a flat blade screwdriver? probably somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 29 minutes ago, BigStewMan said: probably somewhere. Its simple. Remove 2 screws on the trim plate. Tighten 2 screws on the switch. Plastic handle will insulate you from harm. Entire process should take around a minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadoc Posted January 14, 2021 Share Posted January 14, 2021 If there is any doubt replace. It will only get worse as the internal (bumpers, springs, and contacts) wear out. Whether you or LL do the actual work. It really is easy => On 1/4/2021 at 1:23 PM, CECAA850 said: Its simple. Remove 2 screws on the trim plate. Tighten 2 screws on the switch. Plastic handle will insulate you from harm. Entire process should take around a minute. Always kill the circuit power first at the Main or Sub Panel (unless you want curly hair). Then check to see if power is actually off where you are working. Lotta questionable electricians. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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