Voltage Meter Light Switch

Why a tester may read voltage while the light switch is off.

Voltage meter light switch.

Testing a light switch this is a question that comes up often and here is the answer. And for making the test you ll need either a continuity tester or a. If you read 120 volts the light fixture is good. Nevertheless when the light switch is off the reading shown should be 1 which means no continuity.

You also need a non contact voltage tester to check the switch and wires for power before touching them. Turn the power off to the switch confirm with the non contact voltage tester and uncap the neutral wires they can remain in a bundle. With your multimeter touch all the tester probe to any other screw terminal. If not you could have a bad breaker bad wiring or a bad switch.

Disconnect the two switch wires and spread the bare ends so they don t touch one another photo 1. This video will show you how to check your light switch and how to replace a. Testing any type of light switch takes a few basic tools. You ll need screwdrivers usually one flat head and one phillips for removing the switch and disconnecting the switch wires.

You must fix the problem to a point where you have 120 volts at the input to the fixture. Turn the power back on and identify the hot wire with the non contact tester. After doing this turn on and off the light switch and when it is on the reading should be near to zero. The tester will produce a voltage reading if the switch is good however sometimes you can get false voltage reading which i will explain below.