I just replaced all the light switches in my 1957 ranch style. The switches appear to be about the same age as the house. Most of these switches were silent type switches and a couple of the switches didn’t work. I seem to remember that some of the old silent light switches used mercury in a little glass vile. Most of the switches I removed have a relatively large Bakelite housing. Is it likely that some of these mercury switches? Is there some way to identify old mercury light switches without cutting the Bakelite open (and possibly breaking the vile and spilling the mercury – thus triggering an emergency toxic evacuation of the entire Bay Area….)
Thanks
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The old silent switches used mercury. The newer ones just use "dry" sliding contacts. I don't know of a good way to tell which is which other than to connect a continuity meter to the switch and see if it switches on and off as you change it's orientation.
I just dragged out my multimeter to do that one the ones that work, unfortunately, that won't do much good on the three that weren't working...
Must mean the mercury is burnt out?
(G)
But those lovely switches can't burn out???? Aren't they the ones that might last forever???? I dunno,,, but I'd prefer them for longevity? Save them whilest I can!