Benefits Of Replacing Faulty Switches & Power Points
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Key Takeaways
- Old plastic gets brittle: a cracked faulty power point or switch can expose live 240V parts.
- Replacing is quick and low cost: it is not worth putting off.
- A safety switch is your backup: it trips if someone touches a live part.
- Quality matters: the cheapest switch is not always the best one.
Benefits of Replacing Faulty Switches & Power Points
There are many benefits to replacing a faulty power point or light switch. Two main points are safety and aesthetics. As switches and power points age the plastic that they are made with becomes very brittle. The brittle plastic is prone to cracking with normal use.
As the plastic cracks the electrical components behind the switch or power point can become exposed, leading to direct contact with live electrical parts. It is not worth the risk of your child, a family member or an employee accidentally coming into contact with these live parts, as the result could be devastating. And, for such a low cost and quick to rectify issue it is simply not worth putting off.
Signs You Have a Faulty Power Point or Switch
You don’t need to be an electrician to spot the early warning signs. Look out for these around your home or business:
- A cracked or broken surround plate
- A switch or power point that is loose in the wall
- Scorch marks, discolouration or a burning smell
- A power point that crackles, buzzes or feels warm
- A rocker switch that sticks or no longer clicks properly
- Yellowed or discoloured plastic
If you see any of these, stop using the fitting and call a licensed electrician. Never open a power point or switch yourself.
The Dangers of Not Replacing
Occasionally the surround plate will crack and then possibly begin to fall away from the wall. Other times the crack can form on the plastic clips on the edges of the switch mechanism. When these clips break the plastic cover can very easily fall out and live 240V contacts will become exposed.
Whether the plate has fallen away from the wall or the rocker switch plastic is broken, both situations can lead to direct contact with live electricity. It is advisable to replace deteriorating switches and power points for your and your family’s safety.
It is also advisable to install safety switches to protect against electrocution if by chance a person comes into contact with these live parts. A functional safety switch will trip before a dangerous situation can occur if it detects earth leakage, such as a person grounding a live terminal. Safety switches are an important part of an electrical installation, should not be overlooked and are now mandatory on all electrical sub circuits in new installations or when modifications occur to existing electrical systems. Read more in our guide to safety switch installation.
Aesthetic Improvements
Changing old switches and power points is also a very quick and relatively inexpensive way to improve the look of your premises, especially if you have recently painted. You would be surprised at how much of a difference such a simple and quick switch or power point replacement makes to the feel of your home or business.
Having an old, cracked or yellow switch on the wall looks very bad compared to new, modern white switches and power points. If you want something more than a standard white finish, our dimmer switches and security lighting page shows what else is available.
Contact us today and we will arrange a free onsite visual inspection of your home or business to identify problem areas. We will provide useful advice on any electrical issues that we find to help as much as we can.
Not All Switches & Power Points Are Created Equal, Choose Quality
With so many brands available on the market it can be hard to choose which brands are best to go with when choosing new switches and power points. In our experience, cheapest is not always best. We have replaced many inferior products, some that have not even lasted several months.
With globalisation becoming a reality and products being imported from all over the world and distributed by less than reputable suppliers, it is very easy to come across inferior switches and power points for purchase. Always check online reviews of products and always ask your electrician, if comparing quotes, what brand or model they propose to install throughout your home or business.
Try and stick with well known brands that have been in the market for some time. Brands such as Clipsal have been in Australia for a very long time and are a quality product. Also buy from reputable distributors that will back the product that they are distributing. By doing the above you can be confident that the product you are receiving would be as expected and will last in our harsh Australian environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a power point is faulty?
Cracks, a loose fitting, scorch marks, a burning smell or a power point that buzzes or feels warm are all warning signs. If you notice any of them, stop using it and call a licensed electrician to inspect it.
Can I replace a power point or light switch myself?
No. Replacing a power point or switch means working on the 240V wiring, which must be done by a licensed electrician. Opening a faulty power point yourself can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
How long does it take to replace a faulty switch or power point?
It is a quick job. A single switch or power point can usually be replaced in a short visit, which is why it is not worth putting off once you spot a problem.
Does a safety switch protect me from a cracked power point?
A safety switch adds important protection by tripping if it detects earth leakage, such as a person touching a live part. It does not make a cracked fitting safe, so replace the damaged power point as well.
Replace Faulty Power Points With a Darwin Electrician
Our licensed electricians can inspect and replace your faulty power points and switches quickly. Request a booking or call (08) 8983 3000.