Check the bulb to make sure it is not burned out. With the power off remove the two screws that hold the cover plate on.
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How To Test A Light Switch Before Replacing It
How to test a light switch. Make sure the breaker supplying the three way light switch has power. Connect the red lead to one of the terminals on the switch. Check the breaker that supplies the switch confirm it is in the on. After that loosen the screws that hold the switch into the electrical box. Shut off the power to the light switch circuit by switching off the appropriate breaker in your homes service panel breaker. If the specific breaker is not identified turn off the main power switch.
Remove the screws holding the cover plate on the light switch with a slotted screwdriver. According to the university of washington you should see a reading of less than 25 ohms. If it beeps you should stop working on the switch immediately and shut the power off before proceeding. Turn off the power to the light circuit at the breaker panel. This indicates that electrical continuity exists through the switch. You should shut the power off before you remove the cover plate on the light switch.
Connect the black lead to the other terminal on the switch. Testing a switch with a voltage tester a voltage tester has two lead wires one for positive and one for negative. Touch the probes to the copper terminals on the side of the switch. Shut off the power. This video will show you how to check your light switch and how to replace a light switch step by step. You will need to take them completely out of the box to free up the switch.
Identify the switch type. Turn the switch on. The most common methods for testing a light switch testing a switch with a continuity tester a continuity tester can be used to test the light switch while the circuit is. Wave the voltage tester all around the front and sides of the switch without making direct contact. The meter should display 1 ohm or less meaning the switch is on. Keep the circuit breaker flipped off for this.
Put the switch into the on position. How to tell if an electric light switch is bad. Disconnect and remove the switch. How to troubleshoot light switches and replace it can be easy and diy project. 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.
Gallery of How To Test A Light Switch
