Testing the Light Switch in Your Home – The Safe Approach

A light switch may go faulty that you need to repair or replace it. Of course, you should go and check the power supply first and then the light itself. Once you are done with that and if the light still does not work, chances are it may be a faulty light switch.
 
Well, there are ways to repair or replace this light switch. Let’s get further on to it-
 
Things you need:
 
· Screwdrivers
· Non-contact voltage tester
· Electrical tape
· Continuity tester or multimeter
 
Prepare the Switch
 
Get to the breaker box of your home from where you can disconnect the power supply to the switch.
 
If your home has a fuse panel, take off the fuse by unscrewing it using a screwdriver.
 
Make Use of the Voltage Tester
 
Once you disconnect the power supply, it is time to make use of that tester. Get to the switch cover plate and remove the screws.
 
Pull this plate off without touching any wires. “Take a photo of the wiring arrangement if you have to.” Get to the wires with the non-contact voltage tester and test each wire. 
 
There should be no voltage on testing the wires. If there is, you have not turned off the right breaker. Get to the breaker section again and switch off the right one!
 
Get to the Know the Switch Type
 
The next task is to identify the switch type to test the terminals. Note how many side terminals you see on the switch.

- A single-pole switch

If there are two side terminals, it is a single-pole switch. You don’t have to count the green-colored screw that stays at the bottom or top of the switch.

- Three-way switch

Similarly, if you find three terminals and a screw, it is a three-way switch. In this type of switch, locate the black colored screw terminal and use something to label it such as the black electrical tape.

You need to label it because it needs to be plugged again to regain the power of the switch. 
 
The other two terminals can be placed interchangeably, so you don’t really need to label them.
 
Work with the Wires and Testing
 
Once you have identified the type of switch terminals, loosen each screw and take the wires off. Using the tester probe, test the wire terminal. There should be light when the switch is on, and when the switch is off, there should be no light.
 
If no light shows up even when the switch is on, it means you have a failed switch that needs to be replaced.
 
Get the new switch of the same voltage value and replace it there. Once you are done, insert the wires into the screws and tighten everything.
 
Ending Here
 
Replacing a light switch should get everything in order. If you find difficulties even after following these steps, consider calling a professional electrician. Reinstall everything and put that cover plate back. Test the switch if it works!