Can you use antiviral spray on light switches?

is it safe to spray an antiviral spray on light switches? How can I disinfect light switches safely in general? For instance, if I do so with the switch turned off will this be safer an if so, how long should I wait before turning the light back on after applying a disinfectant of some kind? Thanks.

Asked by Lou on 9th Aug 2021
Expert Trade Answers
"Have you had your electrical installation tested recently?"
Answered on 9th Aug 2021 - Member since Jun 2021 - report
"In short, NO!
Ordinary light switches are not IP rated sufficiently therefore this is a danger of shock, that’s why they aren’t allowed in bathrooms.
I would dampen a cloth (not soak) with the spray and merely wipe over the switch and dry with a kitchen towel."
Answered on 9th Aug 2021 - Member since Aug 2017 - report
"Basically never use any wet spray in electrical devices, you can wipe all kinds of electrical devices with spray on the dry cloth and clean, not spray directly. Also, you should turn the main fuse off and makes sure to let them dry completely before turning the main fuse back on."
Answered on 9th Aug 2021 - Member since Jan 2021 - report
"Better to spray a cloth or kitchen towel and wipe the switch."
Answered on 9th Aug 2021 - Member since Aug 2020 - report
"Hi, to be safe you should use antibacterial wet wipes cleaning only the switch and surround. Do not use spray at all, only wet wipes. Wear rubber gloves at all times. Make sure the switch is turned off prior to commencement and do not operate for 1 hour."
Answered on 9th Aug 2021 - Member since May 2020 - report
"You should never spray any liquid on a switch, ON or OFF, the best way to disinfect light switches is to use disinfecting wipes but making sure they kill 99.9% of the bacteria etc. DO NOT USE SPRAYS!"
Answered on 9th Aug 2021 - Member since Jan 2021 - report
"I wouldn't spray directly on to a light switch. Spray into a cloth and wipe the switch over.
Make sure the cloth is not soaked."
Answered on 11th Aug 2021 - Member since Apr 2021 - report
"All liquid is an electrical conductor. So there are several risks. Ideally, no, but if necessary, you have to turn off the power and only turn it on when you remove excess liquid."
Answered on 19th Jan 2022 - Member since Oct 2021 - report
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