Light switch sparks and trips the breaker? A short circuit in the light fitting, light switch or cable is likely reason for the breaker tripping. The solution to this problem can be relatively simple like replacing the light fitting, bulb, or light switch. If the cable is damaged, that might take more time to fix depending on where the damaged cable is located. This post aims to help you troubleshoot what the problem might be and what you can do about it.
What’s Happening When The Light Switch Sparks And Trips The Breaker?
If a breaker is tripping, it is most likely because there is a short circuit occuring.
A short circuit occurs when the electricity in a circuit has a ‘short’ return path on the neutral wire.
When this happens it can appear like sparks or a flash which is the result of a large amount of energy being released and a circuit breaker tripping shortly thereafter.
Short circuits are dangerous because they can cause a fire if not interrupted. This is the job of a circuit breaker. A breaker tripping is a good thing because it stops the short circuit from developing into a fire.
Here is more information about short circuits.
Now that we know the most likely cause of the breaker tripping is a short circuit we can start to understand where its located so we can work out what to do about it.
Light Switch Sparks And Trips The Breaker – Reason #1
Faulty Light Bulb
A light bulb with a fault or ‘short circuit’ is a common reason for why the breaker has tripped. Depending on the type of light bulb you should be able to replace it for new. Sometimes this can be worth doing before calling the electrician just to double check that this isn’t the cause of the problem.
Light Switch Sparks And Trips The Breaker – Reason #1
Faulty Light Fitting
If a new light bulb hasn’t fixed the problem, it could be because the light fitting has a fault in it. Light fittings are known to fail over time. Cheap light fittings or lights exposed to moisture have this happen all the time. There could also be loose wires in the fitting which have shorted out.
If you can see signs of black soot, brown discoloration or melting around the light fitting then this could be the culprit causing the problem. The solution in this case would be to replace the light fitting.
Light Switch Sparks And Trips The Breaker – Reason #3
Faulty Light Switch
A light switch can definitely be faulty, causing a short circuit then tripping a circuit breaker. This often happens because the contacts in the switch become worn and eventually fail.
Switches can also wear down due to higher electrical loads being drawn. This is especially true with fluorescent lights. The solution to a faulty switch is to replace it with a new one.
Sometimes it’s possible to replace the switch mechanism only – rather than the whole gang plate. This will depend on the overall damage to the switch.
Light Switch Sparks And Trips The Breaker – Reason #4
Damaged Cable
A damaged cable is the next possible reason for why the light switch sparks and trips the breaker. A damaged cable can occur because the cable has rubbed against something sharp or has been chewed by rodents, eventually leading to a short circuit. Damaged cables are able to be repaired, but depending on where the damage is located, it can be simple to fix or difficult and expensive.
Next Steps
Light Switch Sparks And Trips The Breaker? A short circuit located in the light bulb, light fitting, light switch or cable are the most likely reasons for why this is happening. Luckily, the solution can be as simple as replacing or repairing these components. If a cable is damaged, it can be simple or challenging (and therefore more expensive) depending on where the damage is located.
We Fix Faults is a electrical troubleshooting blog dedicated to help you find and understand common domestic electrical faults. If you’d like to know more consider subscribing to our email list at the link below.