Risks for repeated light switch flicking?

Question

I have a sister who has a problem with fidgeting. At some times she would continuously turn on and off a light switch. We tell her to stop, but she wont. At one point, I would hear a small electric buzz when I slowly move the switch up. I’m not sure if it means there is a small electrical problem happening due to my sister’s frequent light switch flickering. Is there is a risk if she continues doing this? Like a spark which could cause a fire, or something that could cut the power, or something similar to that?

garry · Answer

its ok , she will get electricute then she will stop it . Let her break the switch , her fault anyway ..

? · Answer

You should always move the switch quickly.When you do it slowly you allow an arc to form that will burn the switch internally.

Anonymous · Answer

The buzzing is the sound of electrical arcing.
This causes the contacts to pit out causing a bad connection that could later cause a fire.

18 gibbs 20 · Answer

Like everything it has a certain lifespan.  It will survive thousands of flips.  She's just shortening the length of time it will last before needing replacement.  She's not likely to cause a fire.

Be gentle with her.  It's not that she won't stop.  Something is driving her so she can't stop.

Spock (rhp) · Answer

there's no risk.  the switch is designed to contain the sparks she creates

Pearl L · Answer

i think she needs to get checked for ocd

Pearl · Answer

sounds like she has an ocd about it

Anonymous · Answer

It sparks Every time.
Eventually the thing will break (burn through the contact). Needing replacement.

Buy her, her own switch. Or get her a widget to spin.  And a prescription to Ridlin.

Risks for repeated light switch flicking?

8 Answers