Something Is Breaking These Light Switches

[Hohn]

I have one switch in our house that is by far the most used-- it's the main switch for the lightning in the bottleneck area that is the garage entrance with a master BR and closet all in immediate vicinity. I replaced it with a 20a Hubbell. It requires a fair bit of effort and makes a satisfyingly loud SNAP when switched.

A markedly different feel than the mushy builder grade switches used in most places of the house.

 

[George7941]

Do they use any cleaners on the switches? I was having very similar issues with my Leviton switches during COVID19 and brought it up with them. They suspected it was the disinfectant used on them and started including instructions not to use chemicals on the switches. No issues since we stopped disinfecting the switches.

That could be it. I will check with the homeowner the next time I am there.

 

[George7941]

Have you replaced one you already replaced yet? You said its been going on for years.

I would guess just lousy switches. Bad batch or just bad. They also have a useful design life - they likely hit it.

So far I have only replaced one that I had previously replaced

 

[George7941]

To me it looks like the switch is being flexed when mounted - the box/sheetrock doesn't look square. I bet some brands of switch are being flexed in the wall and it is close to its yield point, thus the break in use. Other brands may be more robust.

I don't think so. The switches are breaking up at so many different boxes, like twenty different electrical boxes. Most of the boxes are multi-gang and the switch mounting screws are a bit loose and the switches are secured in place with the wall plate screws. The wall plate screws are tight and the switches are not moving around.

 

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

That could be it. I will check with the homeowner the next time I am there.

For added context, our light switches all came from the same bulk package, so presumably they are from the same batch. The only effected switches were the ones we disinfected. I think the chemicals in the disinfectant weakened the plastic, and it broke where there is highest stress (pivot point).

 

[dishdude]

Came across this a few years ago.

 

[Hall]

Came across this a few years ago.

The hardware store or electric supply house only had single-gang boxes that day....

 

[George7941]

Went back to the customer's house today. Dad was not home but Mom was and I asked her about disinfectants/cleaners used on the switches. She said Dad, a doctor, was on a disinfection spree during Covid. He was trying to prevent his kids from coming down with Covid.

Examined the walls next to the switches and they were clean, with no scuff marks. That rules out breakage arising from stuff dragged across the switches.

Here are a couple of pics of the switches mounted about three feet high.

 

[RhondaHonda]

I’d lose my mind with those low switches!

 

[Hall]

Here are a couple of pics of the switches mounted about three feet high.

I mentioned it before and I'm wondering if someone in a wheelchair lived in this house previously. Are they all that low ?

 

[George7941]

I mentioned it before and I'm wondering if someone in a wheelchair lived in this house previously. Are they all that low ?

Yes, they are all that low. None in the current family is using a wheelchair. Don't know about the previous occupants. There is absolutely no damage to the walls adjacent to the switches.

They bought the house in 2020 and I replaced a lot of broken switches in the first two years. The original switches are still breaking but it is down to maybe four switches a year.

 

[Hall]

Yes, they are all that low.

99% confident this is from a previous resident that was wheelchair-bound.

 

[George7941]

99% confident this is from a previous resident that was wheelchair-bound.

Couple of strikes against that hypothesis. As I mentioned, there is no scuff marks on the walls adjacent to the switches. The switches at the top of the stairs going from the first to the second floor is over a foot shy of the floor. It is over the second last step going up, not over the floor of the second floor. One of the switches was broken in this three gang box. No way for a wheelchair to hit this switch and break it

 

[Hall]

No way for a wheelchair to hit this switch. and break it

I only meant for the explanation as to why they're so low.

 

[George7941]

I only meant for the explanation as to why they're so low.

Got it. That makes sense

 

[tbm5690]

Went back to the customer's house today. Dad was not home but Mom was and I asked her about disinfectants/cleaners used on the switches. She said Dad, a doctor, was on a disinfection spree during Covid. He was trying to prevent his kids from coming down with Covid.

Examined the walls next to the switches and they were clean, with no scuff marks. That rules out breakage arising from stuff dragged across the switches.

Here are a couple of pics of the switches mounted about three feet high.

View attachment 315232View attachment 315233

Last picture explains it all to me. Kids have to be brawlers to play hockey, so clearly they are ruffians...

Seriously though, what is with all the junk outside on the porch?

 

[George7941]

Both Mom and Dad are doctors and they lead a pretty busy life. They have a housekeeper in twice a week. That porch has always been messy.
That is my Sierra parked across the street.

 

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

Went back to the customer's house today. Dad was not home but Mom was and I asked her about disinfectants/cleaners used on the switches. She said Dad, a doctor, was on a disinfection spree during Covid. He was trying to prevent his kids from coming down with Covid.

Mystery solved. Be sure to give credit to the random person on an engine oil forum with a crudely drawn copyright friendly picture of a fictional TV show character.