Electrical Wiring in the Home/circuit box

Advertisement

Expert: J Cook - 5/11/2005


Question
Hello,

I live in a 25 year old high rise apartment building, and inside the circuit box on the wall, one of the switches is loose. It looks just like a light switch, but it's horizontal. While it is switched on, it often does not work.

Could you please tell me if this is easy to fix, or should I get an electrician?
thanks,
coup

Answer
You will need an electrician to replace this. The panel is very dangerous to open. It needs to be replaced soon as it could be a fire hazard since it does not work all the time. The contacts are bad in it and when it does work, it most likely is not making a good connection and can overheat. Thanks for asking, J
About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here

Electrical Wiring in the Home

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

J Cook

Expertise

General electrical wiring, including but not limited to, residential, panelboards, control wiring, low voltage wiring, Heating and A/C control wiring, single and three phase wiring.

Experience

I have been doing electrical since high school. I have been licensed by the State of North Carolina for ten years and am currently the Building Maintenance Superintendent for a municipality. I have extensive control wiring experience.

Organizations
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.