What Does a Buzzing Light Switch Mean?

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There are certain problems that can come up in your home that will grab your attention right away. A buzzing light switch is one of them. After all, light switches are simple devices that should be completely silent. If one of yours is making a buzzing noise, that issue needs to be addressed right away.

 

For light switch repair or any other type of electrical, plumbing or HVAC work in the Greensboro area, the Berico team should be your first choice. Call today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have.

 

Common Reasons for a Light Switch to Buzz

When a light switch is buzzing, you know that something is wrong. That’s not normal. However, there can be various reasons for the buzz, so it’s important to understand what the possibilities are and which one might be to blame in your case.

 

  • Loose connection. If there is a loose connection inside the switch, meaning wires that are not properly secured, there can be arcing electricity or little vibrations that lead to a buzzing sound. This is a problem that is likely to get worse over time, as well.

 

  • Wrong bulb with a dimmer. If you have replaced the older bulbs in your home with LEDs, you might have created this problem by accident. LED bulbs are not compatible with older dimmer switches, and if they are used, the electrical load can become unstable, and the switch might start to buzz.

 

  • Worn-out switch. It could be the case that the light switch is simply worn out and needs to be replaced. All electrical components can degrade and fail over time, and light switches are no different. In this case, simply having the old light switch replaced with a new one should completely resolve the matter.

 

  • Overloaded circuit. It’s also possible for the load being placed on the circuit to be the underlying issue. If too many devices or fixtures share the same electrical line, the switch may start to buzz as it struggles to meet the demand.

 

Take This Warning Sign Seriously

Any sound coming from a light switch should be taken as a warning sign that something is wrong, and a dangerous situation could exist. Even if the buzzing is rather faint, or even if it only happens from time to time, you certainly don’t want to ignore it. As with any electrical issue, there is the risk of creating a fire hazard if you let this problem go, so it’s an urgent matter to get in touch with an electrician and solve the problem.

 

Don’t Let This Problem Linger

A buzzing light switch is something that needs to be addressed right away. Of course, you won’t be able to call the electrical company to deal with this one, so you need a partner who specializes in electrical repairs, instead. That partner is Berico. Take a moment now to reach out, and you’ll be one step closer to leaving this issue behind you.