Causes of Light or Switch Delay

Why is there a time delay when I turn on a light switch? Why a Light Fixture or Switch May Have a Delay When Turning On.

Why a Light Fixture or Switch May Have a Delay
[ad#block]Electrical Question: Why is there a time delay when I turn on a light switch?

• I have a light on a ceiling fan that is operated from two 3-way switches.
• When the light is turned on, there is an approximate 1 second delay before the light actually lights.
• Doesn’t matter which switch is used or whether the pull cord on the fan is used – the delay still exists.
• Installed new ceiling fan and new switches and it still does the same thing.
• Maybe it’s nothing bad, but it’s kind of annoying and a little disconcerting.
• It’s a just purchased house, so I have no idea how long this may have been going on.

This electrical wiring question came from: Walt, a Homeowner from Dallas, Texas.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Walt.

Causes of a Light Switch Delay

• In my experiences there are two possible causes that would make a light switch delay.
  1. The light switch is getting worn out and needs replacing. The internal contacts can break down over time due to arcing. The arcing can eventually cause the contacts to fail completely, and the arcing can produce a residue which can affect the initial flow of electricity between the switch contacts.
  2. There may be a loose connection or splice within the wiring of the light circuit. This is a problem that would eventually cause the circuit to stop working completely or worse, because loose electrical connections can produce heat and arcing, which can become a fire danger.

Part Reference: Replacement Light Switch
I have found for example, that a Replacement Light Switch may be necessary when the existing light switch is old and not working properly, as described in this electrical question.

Sources and Citations
For more information about Single Pole Light Switches
15 Amp, 120 Volt, Toggle Framed Single-Pole AC Quiet Switch, Residential Grade

The Following will assist you with wiring light switches:

• Light Switch Wiring
• Wiring Diagrams
• wiring ceiling fans

• How to Install Ceiling Fans
• Take the mystery out of ceiling fan wiring. Ceiling Fans are a great way to lower your energy bill and brighten up one of your favorite rooms.3-way switch wiring

• Easy to Understand 3 Way Switch Diagrams
• 3 Way Switch Diagrams Fully Explained. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.For more information about Troubleshooting
• Troubleshooting

• Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
• Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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