Have to push light switch hard to turn on, changed switch but still happening. Please help!

[Swophia]

Hi there the light switch for a ceiling light needs to be pushed quite hard in order for the light to turn on. What started happening first was that you would flick the switch (just normal force) and after a couple of seconds the light would turn on. Then it stopped turning on but I discovered if you gave it a bit of a slap when you were turning it on then it worked. This is only a year old light switch mind (we had a dimmer switch before which buzzed annoyingly and had the delay when switching on which is why I swapped it but I can’t remember if it has always happened with the new switch). Anyway, I have today replaced the switch for another new one and it is still happening but just with less force needed. If I switch the switch normally then it doesn‘t turn on but if you push it with gusto right in the middle then it does. Can anyone help me out with what the problem is please?

A few things that may be relevant: both switches are those big type where the switch spans most the plate (both different brands). Also, the wire of the live wire looked a bit flat and kept popping out when I was trying to screw it in and when I first took the plate of to change it it wasn’t even connected to the switch (although it could have just come out then). Don’t know if that could be a contributing factor.

Sorry for not knowing the correct terminology or indeed knowing anything about electrics. Just a Mumma trying to fix her girls’ light switch! Thanks so much for your help

 

[westward10]

Is this the same switch in the communal area from your other thread.

 

[Strima]

Make of switch? Cheap and nasty LAP or Gucci Schneider?

 

[Swophia]

Is this the same switch in the communal area from your other thread.

Sorry, did I post this question already elsewhere? Had a bit of trouble first of all, didn’t realise I had double posted.

 

[Swophia]

Make of switch? Cheap and nasty LAP or Gucci Schneider?

The first one was British General (I think) and the one that I’ve just put on now is Schneider.

 

[westward10]

Sorry, did I post this question already elsewhere? Had a bit of trouble first of all, didn’t realise I had double posted.

The one where you said the landlord replaced it and could it cause a fire. Does the landlord know you are doing this.

 

[Swophia]

The one where you said the landlord replaced it and could it cause a fire. Does the landlord know you are doing this.

No that wasn’t my post.

Although I do rent and my landlord doesn’t know I’m doing this. Thought there was no harm in changing the light switch.

 

[DPG]

It was someone different Westward. Must be coincidence.

 

[westward10]

No that wasn’t my post.

Although I do rent and my landlord doesn’t know I’m doing this. Thought there was no harm in changing the light switch.

Apologies must read things clearer?

 

[Swophia]

Apologies must read things clearer?

No worries. Anyone got any clue what my issue could be? I literally know nothing but could it be that the live wire isn’t making good contact with the screws? The copper wire bit did look all flat.

 

[DPG]

Sounds odd. You either have a bad batch of switches or you have not got a good connection when you have fitted them.

I'd get your landlord to get an electrician to check it out. I also wouldn't tell him that you've been changing the switch.

 

[littlespark]

Sometimes, if the conductor is too far into the terminal, it can protrude into the workings and block something from moving.

As suggested, it’s up to the landlord to change it. Just put the old one back and tell him it doesn’t always work, and when it does it needs pushed hard.
They have a duty of care to their tenants to do repairs sooner rather than later.