[darsunt]

I have a bath vanity light that needs replacing. The black wire from the switch to the light fixture gave a hot reading even when the light switch was off. When I measured it, it was @ 15V ac, instead of 125v ac.

I've read that this is normal 'induced' voltage. Is that correct? The light fixture was switching on and off fine before. I am using a analog multitestor.

 

[joed]

It could be? Turn off the breaker to be sure.

 

[darsunt]

when I turn the switch, on a normal 125v ac appears on the wire from switch to light fixture. Off there is 15v ac. Is this normal? For sure it is the switch circuit.

 

[DexterII]

I could see that scenario with an illuminated switch and a digital voltmeter. Regardless though, as Joe said, best to turn the breaker off to be sure.

 

[darsunt]

if voltage is zero with breaker off, the circuit is good?

 

[darsunt]

breaker off, no hot wire when switch on and off

 

[darsunt]

Going to assume something is wrong with the circuit. Will replace the switch. Hope I don't have to call an electrician

 

[rjniles]

Going to assume something is wrong with the circuit. Will replace the switch. Hope I don't have to call an electrician

I would not replace a thing. It sounds like it is normal. Does the new light work?

 

[darsunt]

It worked fine before. I haven't installed the new light fixture yet.

I know a a wire with a flowing current will induce voltage in a parallel wire. The switch wire has a hot wire parallel with the wire coming out to the fixture. The only thing is the hot wire has no flowing current (switch is open). But maybe a hot wire with no flowing current can induce a slight voltage?

 

[darsunt]

Ha must be that 'phantom' voltage like in unattached ground wires next to hot wires with no current flow

 

[rjniles]

Install the fixture. Test it.