Testing A Wall Light Switch

Test the switch with a continuity tester.

Testing a wall light switch.

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. And for making the test you ll need either a continuity tester or a. The switch is good if the continuity tester lights. Keep the circuit breaker flipped off for this.

How to troubleshoot light switches and replace it can be easy and d i y project. Tools for testing light switches. Testing a three way 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.

A continuity tester can be used to test the light switch while the circuit is off or the switch has been removed. 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. Once you ve confirmed that there s no electrical current in your switch you are ready to remove it.

Use extreme caution when performing this test it will only work when the power to the switch is turned on. Testing any type of light switch takes a few basic tools. You also need a non contact voltage tester to check the switch and wires for power before touching them. They have two leads and a light the lights up when current is sensed.

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. Pull the light switch from the wall. The switch is composed of a hot wire and two traveler wires that are hooked into. The problem is that the light in the tester acts as a bridge for the circuit when the switch is off.

This video will show you how to check your light switch and how to replace a. Set the switch to the off position and touch both terminals on the side that held the wires.