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HelloI have a problem with my light switch. The problem started with my over head light. First this is an older house and I checked the voltage and it is reading 120 at the switch but only 60 volts at the light what's going on here?
Hi, Welcome to Just Answer. My name is XXXXX XXX would be glad to assist.
Are you measuring black to white? or black to ground? or both?
black to ground this is at the switch
ok, you measured top and bottom?
at the light there is no ground wire
yes but at the switch therre is a ground wire
you have a ground wire in the switch? but not at the light? Is this romex cables?
old wiring yes
or someone cut the alum ground wirer year ago
ok
this is the wire going up to the light not the light itself
you need to pull the switch away from the wall, then get to the whites in the back of the box and measure you black to those whites
suspect you have a loose neutral (white wire) connection
should I have 120 volts then if I measure the white and black
yes
if the neutral is loose anywhere on the circuit, switch box-light box etc. it will read LOW voltage
so you are saying that the measuements of the black and ground will give me 120 but if the measure of the black and white does not then there is a white wire problem....is this correct?
that is correct
if so how do I correct this problem
find the loose connection
thats all it is, loose wire nut connection
or loose in a receptacle connection along the circuit
ok also at the light is the correction are made I should read 120 volts there with my meter on both black and white wires...correct
Between the black and white, yes 120 volts. There may be a wire nut connection of whites in the ceiling box too
is the light the ONLY item on the entire circuit that is not working?
yes it is and that is where I read 60 volts at too,,,also there is a garabe disposal there that is not working as well I figured their were connected to the same problem too
Possible, disposals usually are on a different circuit than lighting, but never know
I would first check white connections in the switch box, and then light box.
yes will do.... but like I said before this is an older house....ok I will try this and thanks for your help
They wired the same back to the late 60's
Thanks again Tommy I am
sure you have been a big help
You are very welcome. Glad to be of service. If your are satisfied with my assistance to your questions then, please do click the Accept for my time.Any followup needed, just return to this page.
Ok and if I do need it
do I just leave this page up?
you can bookmark it or when you sign in it should be listed undre your "My Questions"
ok great will do and THANKS again!
your welcome
Experience: Contractor-40 Years in the ElectricalTrade