Electric Problem

TYING SG

Hi all,

Recently, an electrical switch near my toilet have gave off sparks when I switch it on. It happen only once. My location is pretty old, coming to 20 years alr. I would like to know, whether is it still safe to use it, or do i have to call an electrician asap. I intend to renovate my entire house. So, I would like to know, if this spark is serious enough for immediate attention?

The sparks very scary

p.s. I tried googling alr, but I think i got the words wrong, I keep getting flashing lights -.-

dragg SG

with the lights off or on?

TYING SG

When I switch it on, the socket there give off sparks. It just flash and went off, i don't know how to answer your qn =(

MyPillowTalks SG

It actually happens when electricity is trying to jump from one end of the switch to the other end of the switch so that it can quickly complete the circuit and find it's way back to ground.

I believe changing the switch would solve the problem, as the speed they open could be faster than ur old switch

TYING SG

Thanks pillow. For now if I just leave it alone can or not, I don't want to be electrocuted to death in the middle of the night when I wake up go toilet

MyPillowTalks SG

By right it is not safe

But my house the switch also liddat, should be safe lah

Chester_Lim SG

It cost less than $100 to ask a electrician to repair it. Better than risk your life over this $100 right?

^Acid^ aka s|aO^eH~ SG

It's better to be safe then sorry...

dragg SG

sparks are normal on on off switch.

Scania N113CRB luver SG

Common, but if the sparks lasted more than 2 secs, change your switch box. Its cheaper to change your switch than getting your house erupting into an inferno.

Scania N113CRB luver SG

Thanks pillow. For now if I just leave it alone can or not, I don't want to be electrocuted to death in the middle of the night when I wake up go toilet

Actually wont electrocuted lah. The switch plastic cover will shield you from the sparks, unless the cover is so chui there are holes and gaps everywhere. I only worry it can turn into a fire only.

TYING SG

Thanks everyone. I already contacted an electrician at 80 bucks. Don't know whether I kena cheated or not. Now that I know its a common problem, I feel much safer.

MyPillowTalks SG

You may try to buy a switch and change it yourself

Just off the mains when u are doing it

Just Neutral and Live, shouldnt be very hard

troublemaker2005 SG

Better change the electric layout if your house is very old. Depending on the flat type changing thw whole electrical layout should not cost too much. For safety's sake. Worse spark in the toilets where moisture and wate is present later kena electric shock.