Testing A Wall Light Switch

The switch is good if the continuity tester lights.

Testing a wall light switch.

Tools for testing light switches. Test the ground wires in the wall switch with a two lead circuit tester which has a red and a black lead running into black body with a small light. The problem is that the light in the tester acts as a bridge for the circuit when the switch is off. Set the switch to the off position and touch both terminals on the side that held the wires.

Your switch may be attached to a frame by screws which you ll need to take out or it may just be sitting up against the wall. How to troubleshoot light switches and replace it can be easy and d i y project. Testing a three way light switch. A continuity tester can be used to test the light switch while the circuit is off or the switch has been removed.

This type will not work properly when used for a light switch. The tester light should not come on. Keep the circuit breaker flipped off for this. Use extreme caution when performing this test it will only work when the power to the switch is turned on.

Test the switch with a continuity tester. You ll need screwdrivers usually one flat head and one phillips for removing the switch and disconnecting the switch wires. This type of tester has two lead wires that uses the battery voltage of the tester to test a circuit which in this example is the circuit components of a switch. A three way light switch allows you to control a light at two different places.

They have two leads and a light the lights up when current is sensed. And for making the test you ll need either a continuity tester or a. Then flip the switch to the on position and touch both terminals with a probe from the tester. Testing any type of light switch takes a few basic tools.

The switch is composed of a hot wire and two traveler wires that are hooked into. Once you ve confirmed that there s no electrical current in your switch you are ready to remove it.