Test Wall Light Switch

Tools for testing light switches.

Test wall light switch.

Ge c by ge 3 wire smart switch on off button style single pole 3 way white smart illuminated led touch light switch with wall plate item 1608273 model 93120080. If you hear a crackling noise inside the switch it is caused by internal arcing and is ready to fail. The receptacle may be bad. Test the switch with a continuity tester.

Notice the burn marks on a failed switch caused by an internal arc flash. Keep the circuit breaker flipped off for this. Set the switch to the off position and touch both terminals on the side that held the wires. You also need a non contact voltage tester to check the switch and wires for power before touching them.

The switch is good if the continuity tester lights. The light switch may be bad. There is a loose connection in the circuit. 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.

Use extreme caution when performing this test it will only work when the power to the switch is turned on. And for making the test you ll need either a continuity tester or a. Troubleshoot 3 way switches troubleshoot 4 way switches. This video will show you how to check your light switch and how to replace a.

They have two leads and a light the lights up when current is sensed. How to troubleshoot light switches and replace it can be easy and d i y project. This type will not work properly when used for a light switch. 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.

The problem is that the light in the tester acts as a bridge for the circuit when the switch is off. A continuity tester can be used to test the light switch while the circuit is off or the switch has been removed. Pull the light switch from the wall. Then flip the switch to the on position and touch both terminals with a probe from the tester.

You ll need screwdrivers usually one flat head and one phillips for removing the switch and disconnecting the switch wires. The tester light should not come on.