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Light switch guard11/19/2023 You smell smoke or a fish-like odor (which could indicate an electrical fire).The light switch cover is noticeably melting, not just warped.Scorch marks on or behind the switch plate.Turn off the main breaker in the home and contact an electrician immediately if you notice any of the following: If the draw is too high for a light switch, then it’s imperative that you replace the wires or call an electrician to do so. Multimeters work, too, but if the draw exceeds ten amps, it could blow the meter’s fuse. You can test the draw of current using an ammeter. A partial ground causes the wires to draw a large amount of current, leading to heat. Pinched or nicked wires, whether from improper installation or a rodent chewing on the cords, could cause a partial ground. When wires wear down (or if the person who installed the switch used the wrong size wires), it can cause overheating and a potential fire hazard. Most often, this is caused by defective wiring. Electrical MalfunctionĮlectrical issues within a home can cause wires to overheat, leading to switch plates that begin to melt and warp as a result. It’s non-combustible and comes with matching mounting screws. This standard-size wall plate is made of stainless steel with a smooth finish. I recommend the Leviton 84001-40 Gang Toggle Switch Wall Plate, which is available on Amazon. Plastic degrades over time through microscopic cracks and stretching, so metal makes a much better alternative, especially in the long run. When replacing a light switch cover, opt for a more durable material, such as metal. By exposing the switch plate to heat, you’re weakening it further, making it more susceptible to damage sooner rather than later.Īs such, it’s best to just replace the switch plate. Please note that while this fix may work temporarily, it’s more than likely going to warp again. Once it cools and remains straightened, reinstalls the plate. You can do this with your hands or by placing heavy objects over the light switch cover so it lays flat. Remove the plate from the wall, apply indirect heat to soften the plastic, then bend it back in place. If the switch plate isn’t a complete loss - only slightly bent - you can try your hand at straightening it with a heat gun or hair dryer. Thin plastics are far more susceptible to warping than thicker materials or metal switch plates. Poor Quality Materialįlimsy, low-quality material (especially thin plastics) can cause a light switch cover to warp. You can usually remedy this problem by investing in light switch covers made of high-quality material, which brings me to our next point. This is usually the case with light switch covers made of cheap, thin plastic. Exposure to UV rays over long periods can cause the material of the switch plate to warp. To fix this problem, ensure that your home is properly insulated from the elements.Īnother reason for temperature fluctuations is sunlight exposure. In fact, during extremely frigid conditions, cold exposure can cause the contacts to freeze over, leading to a light switch that doesn’t work at all.Īs such, if you reside in an area that experiences hot summers or freezing winters, these temperatures could damage the light switch cover over time. For example, if the light switch is attached to an exterior wall, improper insulation can expose the cover to outdoor temperatures. In fact, one of the main reasons why a switch plate may end up exposed to such temperatures is poor insulation. Temperature changes aren’t always due to electrical issues (which I’ll discuss later in this article). Over time, this can cause the light switch cover to warp. When exposed to extreme heat or cold, the material of the switch plate expands and contracts. Extreme temperature fluctuations may cause light switch covers to warp.
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