Question: My neighbor’s porch and exterior garage lights won’t turn off (the emergency flasher is not engaged). Ace Hardware said they’ve had a number of requests for replacement switches, but can’t help. I’ve sent an email to Pulte’s warranty service and I’m awaiting a reply, but thought I’d also ask you as well.
Answer: These light switches must be reaching the end of their useful life. We have received several queries about where to get replacement switches.
If your 911 light switch stops working, the one that flashes the outside light to help the 911 responders find your house, it may not be broken. There is a reset lever in the lower left corner of the switch. If the switch does not turn the outside lights on try pulling this reset lever down with your fingernail and push it back up. If a power surge trips the switch this reset should restore the switch to working condition. If this does not fix the problem you will have to replace the switch. If you turn on the lights and you see a bright flash in the switch it has probably failed and has welded the contacts together. If this happens you will not be able to turn the lights off, and you will need to replace the switch.
The original switch was made by Leviton but they no longer make that switch. There is a replacement switch made by Pass & Seymour, model TM8LOCATORW, the last letter indicating switch color. The switch is available from:
Westside Electric Supply, Inc.
1530 N. LaFox St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-468-1000
The switch will fit right into the place of the old one. It is as easy to install as any light switch with two wires to connect. Be sure to trip the circuit breaker before removing the old switch. If you have never replaced a light switch, get someone who has some electrical experience to change this one for you.
Please do not use this switch to flash your outside lights to help the pizza delivery man find you house. It is only for 911 emergencies to help the vehicles find your house.
Reminder
If you usually change the batteries in your smoke alarms on New Year’s Day and forgot to do it this year this is a reminder to do it ASAP. If your smoke alarms are ten or more years old they are beyond their useful life and may not be working. You should replace them.
Don’t throw the old batteries in the trash. Put them in a plastic baggie and tape them to the top of your recycle bin to properly dispose of them.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.
