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Light Switch voltage when off

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 4:34 pm
by TC38B
Hi,

I have just fitted a new switch for an outside light next to a set of french doors. The Permanent supple for the light (and switch ) I have taken off the existing lighting circuit to a separate junction box. Then I've taken the permanent supply down to the one-way switch to create the switched feed within the junction box. The feed for the outside light is then taken from the Switched feed, the neutral and earth from the junction box :D . HOWEVER....when the switch is 'off' I still get a reading of around 16v at the light end :cry: . I am using a digital meter which is obviously more sensitive to this but is this normal? I have been told it could be the quality of the earthing and Neutral circuit within the house is this true?

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 12:13 am
by sparx
Hi digi meters pain in rectum because very high input impedance does not 'load' the circuit and they will look for a reading-any reading, if you hold both prods in hands they will try to make you happy with a reading....,
Whilst it is possible N may be a little above earth it should not aproach 16V. try a moving coil meter, if still shows some volts you got trouble!
regards SPARX