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by Anonymous on August 5th, 2009

Anonymous

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I have a light switch and when I turn it off slowly it sparks and gives of a sulfer smell.... is that normal?

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Answers. 4 helpful answers below.

  • by -O-uknow on September 10th, 2009

    -O-uknow

    The contacts are dirty causing a little current flow between them before they are actually closed. Cleaning them could fix it or the build up could either burn off or cause a fire. The burning process during arcing can sometimes create a conductive path between the contacts in which case the switch must be replaced.

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  • by yahoot on September 10th, 2009

    yahoot

    actually, it can be normal if you are doing it really slowly and using a "normal" switch (not one rated for explosive environments). As the switch begins to close, the current arcs to close the circuit just before the contacts close. This causes sparks inside the switch and the "electric" smell.

    If you see the sparks outside the switch, it is something different and you need to replace the switch.

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  • by Spacys back on August 5th, 2009

    Spacys back

    no your in for a short,repace ASAP +5

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  • by Thriftymaid on August 5th, 2009

    Thriftymaid

    No. Replace the switch.

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