This causes the components in the switch to wear down or even malfunction as time passes. Your light switches are used daily – multiple times a day. Faulty or loose connections anywhere in your electric circuit may cause arcing as the current tries to jump over the gaps. If the electricity escapes from the wiring, it can cause heat to build up quickly, creating a fire hazard. However, this heat is contained in the insulated wires. The Source of Crackling Sounds Coming from Your Light SwitchĪny flow of electricity generates heat.
When you flip the toggle to the “off” position, the connection between the terminals is opened, halting the flow. When the light is turned off, you are simply interrupting the flow of electricity. 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. Your light switch is composed of two terminals. This is what powers your lights (obviously!). The Inner-Workings of a Standard Light SwitchĮlectricity is a continual flow of current. 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.
If you want to learn more about this problem, keep reading. 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. 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.