Something to be concerned about (electric)?
 

Hello:

One of Dad's light switches flashes. We thought there was a bulb possibly inside to change and didn't see anything. Is this something to be worried about? Do I need to call an electrician? If so can someone recommend one. Thank you. The switches are kind of a "flat panel" type but only 1 flashes; the other is fine.

Perhaps (if it near an exit door)...it may control on of the the outside lights.

Some of us have one switch that will flash the porch light on and off.
This is helpful when emergency crews are locating your home.

If this is the case..the interior switch is supposed to flash....
...so you know your exterior light is flashing.

NOTE...be sure your outside light has a WORKING bulb.
....test it in a working lamp inside the house before you install it.

Sorry am a little confused. The light switch that is flashing is the one that turns on the light in the garage. Are you saying that is normal? Thanks again

It's a lighted switch, correct? One of mine flickers...could be time to have the switch changed. Lighted switches are easy to see when it's dark. Older ones had neon bulbs in them if I understand correctly. Newer ones have LEDs. Switch bulb maybe going is all. If it is important that the switch be visible, it should be replaced. If you are handy, you can do it yourself. If you don't want to, a handyman maybe able to replace it for you.

Others who know more about these types of switches can offer more info.

Do you have lighted switches throughtout the house?

This link may help explain.

Click Here.

there is a little diode in the flat rocker switches that glows when in the off position. If it is flashing it means the diode is defective.

During the era when our home was built there were a lot of complaints regarding the flashing switches. The warranty department and the manufacturer were replacing them for free as requested. Back then there was a time limit on when one could request the switches.

Sounds like the problem persists if yours is a new(er) home.

The flickering diode has no impact on the on/off function of the switch.

btk

Thank you for the information

We had this in our house in Atlanta and I switched them all out to normal switches. I look at the electric meter with appliances unplugged to see if there is a short in any of the wiring and as these pull power all the time they made me uneasy as some were still working others had burnt out bulbs but all were pulling power. I just didn't like them.