It could be a symptom of a “switched neutral”, where the switch interrupts the grounded (neutral) conductor instead of the ungrounded (hot) conductor. In this case the bulb would turn on and off with the switch, but the socket would always show as hot.

Why do I have a voltage reading when light switch is off?

Just to recap, a “phantom voltage” is where a wire from a switch to a light or outlet runs next to a permanently live wire, when the switch is off, the AC voltage in the other wire can induce a voltage in the switched-off wire.

Why is there still power when light switch is off?





If a ceiling light stays on when the switch is off, this means it is connected to the hot wire. The goal is to connect the ceiling light to the switched leg conductor instead. This will ensure the ceiling light responds to the light switch whether it’s on or off.

What causes phantom voltage?

Conductors that are installed in close proximity to one another, and are capacitively coupled to each other, can cause this a.c. voltage reading. Such a reading could be 2 or 3 volts, or it may be as high as the voltage on the adjacent conductors. This is what is referred to as a “phantom” voltage.

Can you get shocked from light if switch is off?

The short answer is Yes! There are many factors that come into play that can cause you to still get shocked when performing electrical work even though you have shut off the breaker to the area that you are working on. The most common issue is when the breaker is incorrectly labeled.

Why do I have 50 volts at light switch?

It should be safe to measure the current of the receptacle in the 50V situation; the current is limited somewhere, which is why there is a voltage drop from 120. Check the neutral to ground voltage, it does happen that the wire colors get reversed and the “neutral” wire is actually carrying power.

How many volts should a light switch have?





In the US a lighting circuit is typically 120 volts, so you would choose the “200” setting typically found on most meters. Check the documentation for the meter you’re using, to determine where each probe should be plugged in.

Why will my ceiling light not switch off?

The most likely error is that the wire going to the light that stays on is contacting one of the live wires. To check, disconnect all the wires from each other, turn on the breaker and use a voltage tester to identify the live circuit wire.

How do I change a light switch without turning the power off?


Quote from Youtube video: You want to touch the tip to the actual wires that feed into the switch. If it stays green the power is cut if the green light turns red. And this tool begins blinking.

How do you isolate a light switch?

Isolating the supply

  1. Turn off the main switch on your consumer unit (fuse box).
  2. Remove the appropriate circuit breaker/fuse for the lighting circuit (put this in your pocket so there is no way ‘others’ can make the circuit live whilst you are working).



Why is there a white wire on my light switch?

Here’s a rundown of electrical wires: The black wire is the “hot” wire, it carries the electricity from the breaker panel into the switch or light source. The white wire is the “neutral” wire, it takes any unused electricity and current and sends it back to the breaker panel.

Will rubber gloves stop electric shock?

Selected properly, insulating rubber gloves will do the job of protecting the worker against electrical shock. Do not forget about leather protectors, for they are an essential part of wearing and using the insulating rubber gloves correctly.