Wall Switch Does Not Turn On Light

Move the lever on the wall switch timer to the off clear position to clear the previous settings and then move the lever to the on position.

Wall switch does not turn on light.

Turn the switch on then touch the tester leads to both of the brass terminals on the switch and verify that the tester led goes on. It stops as soon as the contacts are far enough apart. Turn the switch off then repeat the test. It s not uncommon to see a small spark coming from inside a switch when you turn it off.

Diagnosing the problem will depend on whether the light bulb does not light up at all or if it is flickering intermittently. It s caused by a load arc that occurs when the electricity jumps between the contacts as they pull away from each other. Apparent problems with a ceiling light fixture are usually traced to some issue that is interrupting the flow of electricity from the wall switch to the light fixture. If the led goes off the switch is good and the wiring is faulty but if the led stays on the switch is bad and needs to be replaced.

One mechanical failure easy enough to recognize is an internally broken toggle where the lever inside is unable or only occasionally able to activate the contactors. If the timer activates the connected light at the wrong times reset the current time configuration of the wall switch. Protect yourself by ensuring the wires to the switch are.