I have a three way light circuit in my hallway that is connected to three ceiling lights. When I switch it on the third light will hesitate before lighting up. Why? Also, I have a different issue with my bathroom ceiling fan. It quit working for a few minutes ( the switch) then it started working again but the first couple of "switch ons" were slow or with a slight hesitation. Now it works fine or instantly again. Is this something that I should worry about? Thanks
Electrical – Slow electrical circuits
electrical distribution
Related Solutions
The termination points are where the utility attaches their wires to your system. You need 3 termination points because most US residences have 240/120 split phase service which is provided on three wires: two hots plus a neutral. The ground is of course provided by you via ground rods or (my favorite) a Ufer Ground (concrete enclosed grounding conductor).
Here is a photo of an overhead service termination.
Click for larger view
I think Wikipedia can explain what a bus bar is, better than I can. But in general terms. It's a strip of conductive material where other conductors can connect, to safely interconnect all the conductors.
If you look in an empty single split phase electrical panel, you'll see 3 or 4 bus bars. Two ungrounded (hot) bus bars running down the middle, one grounded (neutral) bus bar off to the side or at top/bottom, and one grounding bus bar off to the side or at top/bottom.
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Best Answer
If the switches have lost their distinct snap into position feel or if you heard a sparking or sizzling sound when you turned the switch on or off it is highly likely that it is time to replace the switch with a new one.