Double Pole Neon Switch

[blueshields]

I had a periodic check done on my house and 1 fault the electrian mentioned was "the neon in the double pole switch located in the bathroom does not function correctly".
But it does work, ie. it comes on when the switch is "On" and goes off when the switch is "Off".

I am now confused and wondering if the Neon should remain on all the time as the switch also has a mechanical "ON/OFF" indicator.

Does that make sense ?

 

[Spark123]

It should only come on when the switch is turned on.

 

[fireman22]

i'm guessing from my own experience that although it is a double pole switch it may only be breaking the live or maybe only the neutral (more dangerous) and this is what he means

 

[RF Lighting]

Perhaps the neon didn't work when he carried out the test & inspection. As neons are getting older they will sometimes light and sometimes not.
Or maybe the noen was dim and he didn't see it lit, or there is another switch somewhere else that isn't working properly.

At worst you will need a new switch.

 

[blueshields]

thanks for the quick replies, i'll check it.

 

[fireman22]

blueshields
unless you have some form of tester you wont be able to check for what i suggested

 

[blueshields]

Yeah I have a multimeter but he is coming back in 2 weeks to sort a few other things out anyway.
Unfortuately, I wasn't there when he did the check, only my wife and his handwrting on the report is awful
I just thought it seemed odd...

 

[JohnD]

You might consider just buying a new switch for a few pounds and changing it.