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BBAKER · Mar 1, 2007, 09:17 AM

I have a chandelier in my entry. It has two switches - one upstairs and one downstairs. Neither switch will turn the chandelier on anymore. It worked one day and the next it didn't! I have reset the breakers three times. I have looked in the attic where it is attached to the ceiling, but the attic plywood is built over the connection. I have looked at both light switches, but everything looks normal to me (I'm not an electrician, though). What could be causing this problem. (No, no bulbs are burned out). What else can I check. Thanks for your help.
Bryan

ballengerb1 · Mar 1, 2007, 02:19 PM

Before you go too far check, or have someone check to if both switches have 110 vac in the switch box. One of the switches may have failed causing an open circuit.

labman · Mar 1, 2007, 05:05 PM

To do simple checks like this you do need some tools. A test light, a meter, or a voltage detector might be the best place to start with. I came across the niftiest gadget for trouble shooting, a voltage detector. They work through the insulation of wires. There are several brands. I have a GB Instruments GVD-505A, less than $15 at Home Depot. Touch it to a hot wire, and the end glows red. Find the doodad that lights it on one side, and not the other, and you have the culprit. You do not have to open up housings and expose electrical contacts. You are looking at where your hand is, not where the meter is. Most people are capable of doing repairs and will get it going and not get hurt if they use a little sense. The voltage detector makes it even easier.

I love my voltage detector for jobs like that. You can even check to see if you have power coming into the box without taking the cover off. If the wires are poked into holes in the back of the switch, that could be the problem. One of them may not be making contact. With the power off, poke something small in the adjacent hole, pull the wire out, andfasten it to the screw. The switch could be bad too.