24VAC when light switch is off???

1492 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by jmd87, Dec 10, 2012

jmd87

Discussion Starter · Dec 7, 2012

I'm changing a light fixture in my kitchen, and while testing voltages to make sure power was off, I found I was getting 24 volts AC in the box while my switch was turned off. Switch on is 120.

Is it possible my switch is failing and letting some voltage through?

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jbfan

· #2 · Dec 7, 2012

Are you testing with a meter?
Chances are it is phantom voltage.
Turn the breaker off.

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jmd87

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 7, 2012

Yes multi-meter. I'm not worried about getting electrocuted I'm worried about faulty wiring or failing components. Don't want to damage the new fixture either.

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dmxtothemax

· #4 · Dec 8, 2012

jmd87 said:
Yes multi-meter. I'm not worried about getting electrocuted I'm worried about faulty wiring or failing components. Don't want to damage the new fixture either.

It's most likely to be induced voltages in the cable !
More commonly known as "PHANTOM VOLTAGE"

Its not unusual for digital meters with high input
impedance to pick up these voltages.

If you want to be sure, put a load,
such as a light bulb on the wire.
If the voltage goes away,
then for sure its a phantom voltage.

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bobelectric

· #5 · Dec 8, 2012

Lighted switch?... Dimmer?

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jmd87

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 10, 2012

It was phantom voltage... thanks for the tips. I also tested the resistance through the switch to be sure it wasn't failing and it didn't register with switch off so switch is ok.

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