Re: 3-way switch illuminated when off??


"Lord Garth" <LGarth@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:RCF8e.191$yd7.49@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> "js5895" <JoshTmp@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:1113790587.746117.184540@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> I have the meter in voltage reading mode, not current mode, ouch!,
>> lol.
>> I was testing it the night I got it, and forgot the load, and it was
>> lights out. When I have it in voltage mode it's in a complete
>> circuit.
>> I had it in current mode, line to each screw on the switch but,
>> making sure it's wasn't a complete circuit, that's when it dimly lit,
>> which was weird, since it wasn't a complete circuit, but it only did
>> this once, I tried it again and nothing happened, it could of been
>> some anomaly from the no load incident or, because it's new.
>> I updated the image to show the common point, and where the switch
>> is sending power, here:
>> http://home.nycap.rr.com/joshs/threewaywire.bmp
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>
> Hey thanks, that little arrow help a bunch. No, I can't tell you why
> it
> lit the neon at all, I'll just have to waste one! Have Dremel, will
> travel.
> Remember that voltage is read across a circuit or device, not in
> series.
> Please don't read current when your testing mains unless you get a
> clamp
> on probe. I'm glad you and the meter are okay!
>

There are neon testers around which have a neon and resister inside a
screwdriver handle and a metal contact at the end of the handle.
If the blade is on a hot wire then the neon will light if you put your
finger on the other end.
The circuit is completed by the capacitive coupling of your body to the
general ground which of course is at the same potential as the neutral.
--
John G

Wot's Your Real Problem?


.

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