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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is this dangerous?

32 replies

BecksBristol · 05/08/2021 17:23

I have got into the habit of disinfecting the light switch next to my front door with a Dettol wipe. (It's pitch black in the entranceway until the light is switched on, sothere's no chance to wash my hands first.)

Today I was disinfecting it when I got an electric shock in my fingers! It definitely wasn't static—it felt like a more mild version of what you get when you touch an electric cattle fence.

And now, although the swich is off, the light is still on, in a dimmed state.

AIBU To think this is dangerous and I need to call an emergency electrician? Or should I just leave it to dry and see what happens first.

OP posts:
Original poster
BecksBristol · 07/08/2021 11:38

@DynamoKev Thank you for your advice. Actually it is a two-way switch. There is one at the entranceway (this is the one that gave me a shock and was changed) and a second one at the other end of the corridor.

Should the second switch be changed also?

OP posts:
LakieLady · 07/08/2021 11:45

No you don't - changing a single switch is within the realm of a competent DIYer

It's within the capabilities of an incompetent one, too - I put in dimmer switches in my old house, armed only with my Collins DIY manual and a screwdriver!

And I am woefully useless at anything practical.

Destin8 · 07/08/2021 11:46

It needs a serious looking at

ExpressDelivery · 07/08/2021 11:48

You can't ever wipe a light switch with a slightly damp cloth?

DynamoKev · 24/08/2021 17:35

[quote BecksBristol]@DynamoKev Thank you for your advice. Actually it is a two-way switch. There is one at the entranceway (this is the one that gave me a shock and was changed) and a second one at the other end of the corridor.

Should the second switch be changed also?[/quote]
The point was you can't get a one way switch wiring wrong as there are only two wires and it doesn't matter which way round they go - for a two way you'd need to phot the wires first and then replicate the connections on the new switch, that's all.

DynamoKev · 24/08/2021 17:35

No need to change the other switch.

DynamoKev · 24/08/2021 17:36

@ExpressDelivery

You can't ever wipe a light switch with a slightly damp cloth?
Mains power and water don't mix - switches aren't insulated, but it depends on your definition of "slightly".
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