3 way light switches suddenly started tripping breaker
I moved into my house 7 years ago, replaced light fixtures and light switches. Everything worked as expected until a few months ago, one of the 3 way switches in the kitchen started tripping the breaker, so I stopped using it and just used the other switch for that light. A few days ago, the other switch started tripping the breaker also. I re-checked the first switch, it still did not work properly. The first switch is in a box with a single pole switch (that works properly), and the second one that most recently started tripping the breaker is in a box by itself. I cannot turn the light on from either switch without tripping the breaker, the boxes are plastic. Nothing has changed and they worked just fine for over 6 years. Any ideas where I can begin troubleshooting?
Replies
Is the breaker a GFCI or AFCI breaker?
Breaker is AFCI
The obvious starting point to me at least is to check the connections. Did you use the screws or push pins on the back... but really for the cost of them while you are rechecking connections you might as well just replace the switches.
Then redo the connection at the light too.
I have had switches that used to snap on and off that you can suddenly hear the buzz/snap of electric short when you turn it on.
It’s China destroying the west with its cheap crap.
Then there's half you answer, at least. If the switches are more than 10 years old they likely are failing, and arcing as you operate them. Though there could be a loose connection.
So if I replace the switches and check connections and it still trips, would the next step be to replace the AFCI breaker with a GFCI breaker?