[Yodaman]

We have a 3 year old 3-way toggle switch controlling 6 recess cans. Each can has a 14w CFL BR30. One of the switches is starting to arc. Pretty sure the switch is just the garden verity bottom of line 3-way.

So is it just a defective switch? Or should I upgrade to a better quality switch. Also as the CFL's burn out I am planning to fill with LED.
I think I read somewhere that LED and CFL should have a specifically rated switch?


Thanks for your input

 

[jimn]

Not an electrician but that is very little load on that switch . Opting for bad switch here. Replace it. Can't imagine why CFLs or LEDs would need a special switch. Timer or dimmer, yes these are different but not a switch.

 

[TimPa]

most all switches spark as the air gap between the pair of contacts gets infinitely closer, (air) ionization occurs and some current will start to flow through that air gap.

sometimes the sparking/mini-explosion are enough to overcome the spring tension on the contact mechanism to blow it open again, possibly several times until final contact is made. replacing the switch will provide new spring strength and contacts.

 

[Jim Port]

The speed at which the toggle is moved can also cause the arcing. Too slow and you will hear the arcing, move faster, no arcing. The reasons have already been explained .

 

[Yodaman]

Ok I will just replace with a similar switch. Not sure how dangerous a arcing switch really is, but I know it freaks out Ms Yoda a little. And not really a sound you want to hear coming from your any of your homes electrical.

 

[dmxtothemax]

It is caused mainly by
The type of load, any lamp
That has electronics inside will
( cfl & led ) will
Promote arcing
These are known as
Inductive loads.
The only thing you
Can do is use a good
Quality / heavy duty
Type of switch.

 

[AllanJ]

An tiny arc for an "instant" as the switch is flipped on or off is not a problem.

But if the arc looks frightening or lasts longer after you take your fingers off of the switch toggle then the switch needs to be replaces immediately.

Arcs generate heat, and heat starts fires.

 

[Yodaman]

An tiny arc for an "instant" as the switch is flipped on or off is not a problem.

But if the arc looks frightening or lasts longer after you take your fingers off of the switch toggle then the switch needs to be replaces immediately.

Arcs generate heat, and heat starts fires.

I wouldn't call the arc frightening. It is not even consistent. Its just irritating because the switch is so new. I do remodels and routinely replace switches that are 50+ years old and still working fine. Which makes me think bad quality or wrong switch for CFL or LED

 

[MrElectricianTV]

Ok I will just replace with a similar switch. Not sure how dangerous a arcing switch really is, but I know it freaks out Ms Yoda a little. And not really a sound you want to hear coming from your any of your homes electrical.

When you do replace the switch do it one wire at a time. Take note that one screw terminal on the 3-way switch is a different color than the other two. That is the most important connection to get right.