July 2, 2025

Why Is My Light Switch Hot?

As you leave the room and switch off the lights, you notice that the switch is unusually warm to the touch. You’ve recently noticed the lights flickering or buzzing, too. What causes these issues, and what should you do about them?

If you’ve noticed any of these things, don’t ignore them. They’re warning signs of electrical wiring issues in your home that could be a serious safety hazard and cause a fire. You must have a licensed electrician replace affected switches and ensure that your home’s electrical system is safe. Call a professional like Applewood right away!

3 Causes of a Hot Light Switch

Usually, heat is the result of excess power traveling through your circuit. Over time, this heat can damage the insulation around wires and become a greater hazard. Here are three possible reasons why your light switch is hot:

1. Your Light Switch is Failing 

Yes, a light switch can go bad. Light switches wear out over time. Older switches may not be able to handle updated amperage, and the electrical contacts emit a small spark when you turn the light off and on. It is important to regularly replace the switches in your home with amp-appropriate models.

2. Your Wiring is Faulty 

A light switch will get hot if it’s improperly wired. The light might still function due to wires that are slightly touching. However, the electricity will have to travel through a smaller path, which creates heat. Older wiring within your home may also be the culprit.

Never attempt to rewire a switch with the power on. Always call a licensed professional electrician!

3. Your Switch is Overloaded 

Light switches have a limit on how much power they can handle. Different switches can handle different levels of power. Your switch may become hot if it’s pulling too many amps. Many circuits are pulling 20 amps when most wall switches are only rated for 15.

Dimmer switches diminish some of the power to lessen the light output and may be slightly warm as a result. If you discover an overly hot light switch when your dimmer switch is on, it’s time to replace it.

Is A Warm Light Switch A Sign of Other Electrical Issues in My Home?

A light switch that’s hot to the touch is one of many signs that point to a bigger problem. Chances are, if there is a problem, you’ve noticed some other electrical issues in your home as well. Here are a few related signs to look out for.

• Flickering lights can happen when the wiring doesn’t support the light bulb you’ve installed. If this happens when operating other devices like a mixer, your circuit is probably overloaded.
• Discolored outlet covers can mean the wiring to the outlet is failing.
• Sparking at the outlet can indicate problems in the wiring behind the outlet.
• Melted light switches are a sign that something is seriously wrong—call an electrician right away.
• Tripped circuits occur when you’re trying to draw more power than the circuit can handle. It may be time to upgrade your electrical panel.
• Fuse boxes are a sign of an outdated and potentially hazardous electrical system. Consider upgrading your electrical wiring to a newer, safer panel that matches your home’s power needs.

If your outlets completely stop working, you likely have a bigger electrical issue. A licensed electrician—like the ones at Applewood—can investigate the issue and outline the solution.

Keep Your Home’s Electrical System Safe

If you need light switch replacement or if you’re experiencing any other electrical issues in your home, get in touch with the professional electricians at Applewood today. Wiring issues are one of the main causes of electrical fires, but they can be easily prevented by identifying the warning signs and making the necessary repairs.

Don’t let stress about the cost delay your electrical service—Applewood offers coupons and discounts so your important upgrade doesn’t have to wait. Schedule your electrical service today.