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Immersion Switch Arcing

  • 26-03-2019 08:08PM
    #1
    GSPfan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,843 ✭✭✭


    Recently changed a standard 20amp dual immersion switch with the neon light due to arcing that had caused it to stick in the off position. Switch was old enough that I cannot remember replacing it so that was fine....

    The new switch however is arcing when turning off. Is there any chance the heating element is causing this in any way or is it all down to the switch quality?


Comments

  • #2
    kilianmanning
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 641 ✭✭✭kilianmanning


    GSPfan wrote: »
    Recently changed a standard 20amp dual immersion switch with the neon light due to arcing that had caused it to stick in the off position. Switch was old enough that I cannot remember replacing it so that was fine....

    The new switch however is arcing when turning off. Is there any chance the heating element is causing this in any way or is it all down to the switch quality?

    Are your connections tight enough?


  • #3
    GSPfan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,843 ✭✭✭GSPfan


    kilianmanning wrote: »
    Are your connections tight enough?

    Yeah that is one of the things I’m absolutely certain of. It’s something I’ll check again purely for the sake of checking but making good contact with the wire and tight connections are something I always make sure of.


  • #4
    Bruthal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,370 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    Most switches switching off an electrical load will arc to some degree.


  • #5
    GSPfan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,843 ✭✭✭GSPfan


    Bruthal wrote: »
    Most switches switching off an electrical load will arc to some degree.

    Yeah It’s one of those things that it just seems that bit too much that it’s surely going to do damage. Trying to see what can be done to reduce it at least.


  • #6
    JonnyM
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 889 ✭✭✭JonnyM


    GSPfan wrote: »
    Recently changed a standard 20amp dual immersion switch with the neon light due to arcing that had caused it to stick in the off position. Switch was old enough that I cannot remember replacing it so that was fine....

    The new switch however is arcing when turning off. Is there any chance the heating element is causing this in any way or is it all down to the switch quality?

    I've seen this on some cheaper switches. What make of switch is It?


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  • #7
    GSPfan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,843 ✭✭✭GSPfan


    JonnyM wrote: »
    I've seen this on some cheaper switches. What make of switch is It?

    I actually don’t know as I didn’t take notice. I’ll have a look. It’s actually in my Grandmothers house so I’m not near it to check right now.
    Got it out of a National Electric Wholesalers for €6.


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