Humidity and Electrical Switches and Wire Splices
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How do I solve a humidity problem that effects some of the electrical devices? Whenever summer arrives, I encounter problems with both the kitchen light and my dishwasher. © By: Dave Rongey |
Humidity Can Affect Electrical Devices and Wiring Splices
[ad#block]Question: How do I solve a humidity problem that effects some of the electrical devices?
- Whenever summer arrives, I encounter problems with both the kitchen light and my dishwasher. Both seem to react to increased humidity in the home and behave as if no power is reaching them.
- If I turn on the wall switch for the ceiling fixture, there is no response. Sometimes, I have left the switch in the on position, and at a later time, the light may come on, sometimes in as little as 5 minutes, sometimes 30 minutes later.Unfortunately, the dishwasher is a little more stubborn.
- I have been attempting to run the dishwasher for the past 4 days and it might as well be unplugged. (It has been raining outside for the past 4 days as well !)
- As a last ditch effort, I turned the A/C to dehumidifier and ran it for a couple hours, guess what? My dishwasher now responds to commands and is operating as normal.
- How do I solve this dilemma?
P.S. The dishwasher and the light are on the same circuit.
This electrical question came from: Maryann, a Homeowner from Ottawa , Canada.
See more about Home Wiring for Canada
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Maryann
Humidity and Electrical Wiring Splices and Switches
- Maryann, humidity can have an affect on electrical wiring splices and cause corrosion of aluminum and copper electrical wire. I have seen this firsthand inside of electrical junction boxes found in kitchens that have high levels of humidity.
- This corrosion can definitely lead to a bad connection or wire splice and create a bad connection between the contacts of switches.
- When this condition is found it would be best turn off the circuit power, clean off the corrosion, and recreate the splice using corrosion inhibiting wire connectors and to install a gasket between the cover plate and the wall.
The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
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