Electrician or handyman?

Hello all, I am a newcomer to the site and also to the joys of being a homeowner. I recently bought my apt in manhattan and the light switch in the bathroom worked once or twice to turn on my overhead light but now it seems dead. The only way I can turn on/off the light fixture now is through the circuit breaker switch! I also have tried replacing the switch with a new one and that also has not resolved the problem. Do I need to call an electrician or a handyman at this point? Also, can anyone recommend someone who can fix this seemlingly small problem in a timely fashion? I have been reading some electricians won’t want to come out for such a small job and am confused as to the proper way to handle this. Thanks!

SleepyJean

in Handymen and Odd Jobs 13 years and 5 months ago

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biggles | 13 years and 5 months ago

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if it is only 2 wires out of the wall plate shut off the breaker you were working with the on/off.cut back the discolored wire and the other to match up the same lenght.then install the new switch.if it is only a bathroom light the load isnt that great,but if your runing a blow dryer thru the switch might of cuased the discoloring.it’s a 5 minute fix for a handy man with a tip…

needmtg | 13 years and 5 months ago

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ps – as we usually have armored cables here, the most likely short points are at the entry of the cable into the switch or ceiling box, which may be simple to fix. maybe you can check it yourself & fix.

needmtg | 13 years and 5 months ago

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i guess my point was that if the light works with the switch removed, there’s a short in the cable between the light and the switch. the cable will have to be replaced, which could be a simple to irritatingly complex job depending on the wall material and the cable routing.

vinca | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Excellent licensed electrician who handles both small and large jobs: http://antoniocerielloelectric.com/index.html

needmtg | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Not clear: the light always stays on even with a new switch (wall-switch or other)? Does it stay on even with the switch removed? Officially of course, you need an electrician but good luck on finding one for such a small job. Most handymen can probably fix this but don’t tell your co-op board!