Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    JKGraham's Avatar
    JKGraham Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 25, 2007, 11:16 AM
    3-way Light Switch with 40volts
    I was replacing a light fixture at my sister-in-law's house which was controlled by two 3-way switches. With the light removed and the circuit breaker ON the voltage measured at the wires to be connected to the light were 120 volts in the ON position and 40 volts in the OFF position. (Measured with a digital meter) After the light was installed I didn't measure the voltage again but the light worked as expected. When the switches are off the light is completely off. If the 40 volts was "real", I think the light would have a dim glow.

    The light works but where did the 40 volts come from?
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 25, 2007, 11:24 AM
    I think that it may be going through bulb element to your meter?
    Unscrew bult and if Zero volts then that was the case. If not,
    May be some resistance in switch, removing switch will confirm.
    Digitals can be sensitive.
    JKGraham's Avatar
    JKGraham Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 25, 2007, 12:51 PM
    When I measured the 40 volts, the fixture was removed. I could go back and measure again with the light bulb removed. I think it will be the same as with the fixture removed. I drew the circuit out and have been looking at it. It is either leaking through the switch or if the cable is run near another cable which is a live circuit, maybe the voltage is being induced into the one I'm measuring.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Light switch issue, Light stays on! [ 8 Answers ]

Im having a problem with a light switch... the light stays on regardless of the position of the switch. I have swaped the switch out with a new one and still have the same problem. The switch controls to recessed lights over a fireplace. In the box on the wall there are several wires: 2 white...

Change Pilot Light Switch with a Single-way Switch [ 1 Answers ]

It's worth noted that I am a complete novice, so please be patient with me. I want to replace an existing pilot light switch with a single-way lighted switch. The existing setup has four terminals (red wire, black wire, white wire, and ground wire). The red wire goes to the left, the black wire...

Wiring ceiling fan switch and light switch [ 1 Answers ]

I had to replace the flywheel on my Hunter ceiling fan and I had to remove the light kit that was attached. After I installed the flywheel, I forgot to mark the wires for re-connection. This is an older model fan. There are five wires coming from the fan motor--brown, blue, white, black and...

Light switch hot then light went off [ 1 Answers ]

We have a standard ugly fluorescent overhead fixture in the kitchen. This morning the light just went off. I went to see if the bulb had burned out and the light switch itself was hot. What could cause this? I had not noticed the switch ever getting hot before. It wasn't really super hot but...

One Switch two lights - the second light furthest away from light won't turn off [ 4 Answers ]

One Switch two lights - the second light furthest away from light won't turn off but the first one does Worked until I swopped the roses. Suspect that didn't do something right when putting them back. Up to now - left bulb out but need to get it to work now.

View more questions Search