Single outside switch 2 way 20AX Waterproof

[bsa]

I replaced an outside switch which has a neon indicator in. The way it works is when the switch is off the indicator is on and its a red light. When the switch turns on the neon light goes off and the outside light works like it should do. I've noticed that when the switch is off theres a low current still in the wires to the light when I tested it. Does this have something to do with the neon light being on? Thanks, Tony

 

[bsa]

I replaced an outside switch which has a neon indicator in. The way it works is when the switch is off the indicator is on and its a red light. When the switch turns on the neon light goes off and the outside light works like it should do. I've noticed that when the switch is off theres a low current still in the wires to the light when I tested it. Does this have something to do with the neon light being on? Thanks, Tony

 

[bernardgreen]

I've noticed that when the switch is off theres a low current still in the wires

How did you measure this "current" ? Do you mean there is a low Voltage between the wires ?

 

[ericmark]

It does seem likely, my switches with red LED indicators show when on not off, I can see having a neon showing off to show where switch is being a good idea, but not actually found one that does that.

I know my light switches with indicator LED's always allow a small current to flow, even when off, it is how the switch without neutral gets power for the electronics in the switch, so power must be switched off else where before working on the circuit. And you have to use dimmable LED bulbs or they can flash when switched off, in fact even some classed as dimmable still flash and I have needed to fit load capacitors.

I wonder how you have measured low current, as my clamp-on ammeter will only measure down to 0.1 amp and the off current is likely 0.001 amp or less.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Duplicate topic

 

[bsa]

Thanks. I measured it with a multimeter, on setting ACV 2. I did this as I got a slight electric shock from the wire when it was off. I should have turned it off from the main fuse box but thought the switch would be enough.
I disconnected the LED from the switch and no current but light still worked, so it does seem like the LED is allowing a small current to flow, which is right as you say. Thanks, Tony

 

[EFLImpudence]

First of all you need to study and understand what a switch does -
and the difference between Voltage and current.

On

Voltage on both wires and current will flow if a load (e.g. light) is connected.


Off

Voltage on red wire (probably) and no current flowing.

If you touch the red, you will be the load and you will feel the Voltage and current will flow through you (if you also touch the blue or are earthed).

 

[BS3036]

If you touch the red, you will be the load and you will feel the Voltage and current will flow through you (if you also touch the blue or are earthed).

Not a great suggestion to a novice!

 

[EFLImpudence]

I wasn't suggesting he do it.

I was explaining what happened as he said he had already done it.

 

[ericmark]

A switch lets you control some thing turning it on or off, an isolator makes some thing safe to work on, often with domestic only isolator is the main switch in the consumer unit.