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.

Test wall light switch.

The receptacle may be bad. If you hear a crackling noise inside the switch it is caused by internal arcing and is ready to fail. Pull the light switch from the wall. This type will not work properly when used for a light switch.

The light switch may be bad. You ll need screwdrivers usually one flat head and one phillips for removing the switch and disconnecting the switch wires. A continuity tester can be used to test the light switch while the circuit is off or the switch has been removed. This video will show you how to check your light switch and how to replace a.

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 switch is good if the continuity tester lights. Once you ve confirmed that there s no electrical current in your switch you are ready to remove it.

Keep the circuit breaker flipped off for this. The problem is that the light in the tester acts as a bridge for the circuit when the switch is off. How to troubleshoot light switches and replace it can be easy and d i y project. Testing any type of light switch takes a few basic tools.

Then flip the switch to the on position and touch both terminals with a probe from the tester. Use extreme caution when performing this test it will only work when the power to the switch is turned on. The tester light should not come on. There is a loose connection in the circuit.

Set the switch to the off position and touch both terminals on the side that held the wires. Test the switch with a continuity tester. 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. 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.

You also need a non contact voltage tester to check the switch and wires for power before touching them. Troubleshoot 3 way switches troubleshoot 4 way switches.