For the most part, a light switch is a simple, yet durable controller that is built to withstand thousands of toggles. But even the most expensive light switches will eventually wear down. Knowing troubleshoot a wall switch will help you determine if the switch is bad, or if your problem lies elsewhere.
Instructions
1. Replace the light bulb in the fixture controlled by the wall switch to rule out a bad bulb.
2. Turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the wall switch. Since the fixture is not working, the wires connected to the switch will have to be tested to ensure the correct breaker is off.
3. Remove the wall switch cover plate.
4. Remove the two screws that secure the switch to the wall box, and carefully pull the switch out by pulling on the top and bottom tabs. Do not touch the sides of the switch yet.
5. Use the touch-type voltage tester to test the wires connected to the switch to make sure both lines are off. If the tester reads voltage through one of the lines, the wrong breaker is off. Continue turning off breakers until you find the right one. When you find it, mark it on the panel charter so you know which one it is.
6. Loosen the screws on the side of the wall switch and remove the wires. Check them for corrosion or for any breaks. Cut the wires and re-strip them with the wire strippers if necessary. If there are multiple wires inside the box, check to make sure the wire connectors are all on tight.
7. Use the needle-nose pliers to straighten out the tips of the wires and connect them together using a wire connector.
8. Turn the breaker back on. If the light turns on, then the switch is bad. If it doesn't turn on, use the tester to make sure that both wires have voltage. If they do, then the fixture socket may be bad. If the wires don't have voltage, there may be a problem with the wiring between the panel and the switch.
Tags: make sure, wall switch, connected switch, have voltage, switch will, wall switch