Good evening. My wall switch went from not working at all to now staying on. I removed it from the wall and it is now working but won’t shut off. I can hear something rattling on the inside as we were having to use a pencil to turn it off and on. Should I just replace the switch as I think the sensor is bad. Thank you as any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Switch – PIR Wall Switch Occupancy Sensor not working WSP-250
motion-sensorswitchwalls
Related Solutions
At this point, I don't think an old-work box can be used. As bib mentions, you need a sturdy surface to attach these. You also have a plaster repair in your future, so if you're going to patch that, you may as well go with a new-work box. You have two styles to chose from, one with a tab that attaches to the face of the stud and another that nails into the stud:
I'd recommend the version that nails into the side of the stud, but I'd also recommend swapping out the nails for screws. The process of nailing this box in will disturb a lot more of the plaster.
Go ahead and open the wall up enough to install the new-work box, get the cables inside, screw it to the stud, and secure the wiring with staples to the center of the stud. Then patch your plaster by installing some backing material, applying the plaster with a wide knife, and smoothing the joints so they can't be seen with a light shining at a sharp angle.
Another thing that seriously needs to get corrected is the totally unacceptable workmanship of the wire attachment at the switches. The wire insulation should be right up at the screw head. The tail end of the wire should only extend out from under the screw heads by a very small amount.
If this wiring was prepared by someone that you paid to do the work you should take proper recourse to get them back to correct this extremely shoddy work.
If you have no recourse then you owe it to yourself, for safety and peace of mind, to get this mess cleaned up.
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Best Answer
Unless the directions state that the use of a pencil is the proper way to operate the switch, you should replace it. The rattling sound would also be a reason for replacement. Don't chance it arcing because the internal contacts aren't connecting right. Take some pictures of the switch before disconnecting any wires. That way we can better assist you if you have some trouble. Many questions on this site are because someone disconnected something and cannot remember how to reconnect it. Pictures are worth a thousand words. turn off the breaker to the circuit before doing anything. Good luck.