The most common methods for testing a light switch.
How to test a wall light switch.
You should shut the power off before you remove the cover plate on the light switch.
How to troubleshoot light switches and replace it can be easy and d i y project.
Turn the switch on.
Touch the probes to the copper terminals on the side of the switch.
You will need to take them completely out of the box to free up the switch.
Shut off the power.
2 hold the tester within inch of the screw terminals.
Remove the switch cover plate by unscrewing its two small screws to test whether it is safe to proceed to replace or rewire a wall switch.
This video will show you how to check your light switch and how to replace a.
According to the university of washington you should see a reading of less than 25 ohms.
Disconnect and remove the switch.
Testing your switch with a continuity tester 1 locate the terminal screws on the light switch.
This indicates that electrical continuity exists through the switch.
After that loosen the screws that hold the switch into the electrical box.
Testing a 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.
A continuity tester can be used to test the light switch while the circuit is off or the switch has been removed.
With the power off remove the two screws that hold the cover plate on.