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Popping, crackling, and snapping sounds are fine if they come from your cereal, but not such a pleasing sound if they come from your light switch. Have you noticed a crackling sound when you flip a light switch? Or, have you heard a loud pop? If so, there’s a good chance the switch needs to be replaced.

If you want to learn more about this problem, keep reading. Here you can find out what you need to do if your light switch makes a popping or crackling sound when you turn it on.

The Inner-Workings of a Standard Light Switch

Electricity is a continual flow of current. This is what powers your lights (obviously!). Your light switch is composed of two terminals. If the toggle is moved to the “on” position, the power supply wire – the black wire – will connect the two terminals, which lets the electricity flow through the light. When the light is turned off, you are simply interrupting the flow of electricity. When you flip the toggle to the “off” position, the connection between the terminals is opened, halting the flow.

The Source of Crackling Sounds Coming from Your Light Switch

Any flow of electricity generates heat. However, this heat is contained in the insulated wires. If the electricity escapes from the wiring, it can cause heat to build up quickly, creating a fire hazard. Faulty or loose connections anywhere in your electric circuit may cause arcing as the current tries to jump over the gaps.

Your light switches are used daily – multiple times a day. This causes the components in the switch to wear down or even malfunction as time passes. If the switch is no longer making proper contact between the two terminals when the light is on, the power flow will be intermittent. This may cause the current to arc, creating the hissing or crackling sound that you hear. If you notice these sounds or if you hear the loud pop mentioned above from your light switch, replacing the switch is the best option.

Call a Professional for Help

If you have some experience with electrical work, you may be able to replace your light switch without professional help. However, if you don’t have prior experience with this type of work, it is best to let the professionals handle it. Electricity is dangerous and if you don’t know what you are doing you could harm yourself, someone in your house, or even do faulty work that results in a fire.

If you have crackling light switches, contact Tann Electric so you can figure out what the underlying issue is and have confidence that the proper repair will be made. This level of peace of mind is invaluable when it comes to your home’s electrical system.