Learn the causes of light switches not working, plus how to troubleshoot common problems without an electrician.
Loose Bulb
Checking if the lightbulb is loose often yields results.
Recessed lights installed in ceilings can come loose, especially when there is a floor above where people walk.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Activity on upper floors can progressively loosen recessed bulbs.
Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse
Always check for a tripper breaker or blown fuse first.
Banks of high-power recessed or track lights alone can trip a circuit breaker.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
It’s often best to call an electrician to untangle the workings of complex three- and four-way switches.
Such a switch could pose a fire hazard and must be replaced as soon as possible.
There’s no sense spending time replacing a wall switch if the problem is just a burned-out light bulb.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Head to the electrical service panel and locate the breaker or fuse.
Tip
A short circuit in a light switch can be dangerous if left unchecked.
Fixing ashort circuitmay be a job for a licensed electrician.
Never touch any wires until you verify that there is no current.
If you discover poor wire connections, simplyreconnecting themto the switch may solve your problem.
If you notice loose circuit splices inside the box, use wire connectors to secure them.
Test to see if the switch works properly.
Wire connection problems at the light fixture can sometimes cause problems.
Check the light fixture circuit wire connections when the switch and its wire connections seem intact.
Usually, this is a simple matter of loosening the screws to which the wires are attached.
Test for Continuity
Use a battery-operated continuity tester totest the switch’s mechanism.
If the switch is faulty, theninstalling a new wall switchis the best option.
Have an electrician look at the switch.
Light switches can burn out, especially when they are incorrectly paired with the electrical current.
Simple toggle-style light switches, though, don’t usually burn out.
