Hidden Fire Hazard Discovered Behind Dimmer Switch in Rosebud

At Ferguson Electrical, we’re no strangers to hidden hazards — but this recent job in Rosebud was a stark reminder of how dangerous faulty electrical components can be.

🔍 The Issue

A local homeowner reached out because the lights at the top of her staircase had stopped working. On the surface, it seemed like a simple switch replacement. But when we removed the faceplate, we discovered something far more serious…

The dimmer switch had completely melted, clearly having caught fire at some point. The internal components were charred and crumbling, with soot and melted plastic inside the switch housing — a clear sign of an electrical fire that luckily hadn’t spread beyond the wall cavity.

⚠️ Why This Is So Dangerous

Electrical faults like this are silent and invisible until it’s almost too late. A fire behind a wall or switch plate can smoulder unnoticed, especially in older homes or with outdated fittings.

This is a major reason why we always recommend homeowners call a licensed electrician at the first sign of unusual behaviour from switches, power points or lighting — whether it's flickering lights, heat coming from switches, or something just not working as it should.

🛠️ What We Did

• Isolated and made safe the damaged circuit
• Removed all charred components
• Inspected surrounding cabling for heat damage
• Rewired and replaced the switch with a compliant, safe alternative
• Tested the circuit to ensure full safety and functionality

🏠 Peace of Mind for Homeowners

This job could’ve easily ended in a house fire — but thanks to our client’s instinct to call in an expert, it was resolved safely.

Electrical safety is not something to leave to chance or DIY fixes. If something in your home doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and get it checked.

✅ Need a Safety Check?

Ferguson Electrical is a trusted, family-run business servicing Patterson Lakes, Melbourne, and the Mornington Peninsula. Our team is fully licensed, experienced, and ready to help keep your home safe.

📞 03 9034 9992
📧 info@fergusonelec.com.au

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