Switches do fall apart inside - fuses blow - sockets go bad - cable gets damaged - motors burn out and thermal trips fail... If the switch feels different and unusual then it may well be defective.
If you can access the switch connections easily - you do not say the equipment type, make or model - you might consider bypassing the switch - hard-wiring around it and using the wall socket switch for control - as a diagnostic test - then you'll know.
Good luck...
Peccavi
August 2010
Automatic Answer
We may have found other answers which could help you.
howtomendit.com for free repair help, information and advice.
Try fixfault.com to fix general d.i.y.