Hetty Vacuum

[grizzly bear]

Why does my power switch let off a green spark when i switch the hetty off? Does the switch need replacing? Could it be dangerous?

[Buenchico]

Dielectric breakdown (a.k.a arcing) occurs when the two contacts of a switch are close enough together, but not actually in contact with each other, that electricity can flow across the air gap between them. It typically occurs when a switch is excessively worn.

If the problem was occurring within part of your domestic wiring (e.g. within a wall socket), it would need to be dealt with as a matter of urgency due to the risk of a fire occurring. Within an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner, particularly where the arcing is only momentary, there's less urgency but it should still be looked into and remedied.

Contact the manufacturer, Numatic, by emailing them at [email protected] or call them on 01460 269229 (0900-1700 M-Th, 0900-1230 Fr).