The other two terminals are often referred to as a and b. Shut off the power to the light switch circuit by switching off the appropriate breaker in your homes service panel breaker.
Outlets And Switches Guide
How to test a double pole switch. Shut off the power. This kind of mistake is easy to make and potentially very dangerous depending on the application. Disconnect and remove the switch. Connect the disconnected wires from the tripping circuit breaker to the second circuit breaker. Identify the switch type. On a single pole breaker they will test to see if the meter reads 120 volts.
One of the terminals is called the common terminal. If there is no continuity the switch has failed and needs to be replaced. Your time will be well spent double checking your work. With both conductors carrying 120 volts there is an increased risk of injury or property damage. Unscrew the switch mounting screws and pull the switch out of the box enough to access the switch terminals. If you do youre in for a bit of a jolt.
For one thing both supply wires for this switch carry voltage. Attach the main blue terminal to one of the poles on the side attach the main brown termainl to the pole right next to it. Touch one prong to the terminal screw on the breaker and the other to the ground. This circuit breaker must be of the same or lower amperage as the circuit breaker that is tripping never greater. When the switch is in one position the common terminal is connected to the a terminal so current flows from the common terminal to the a terminal but no. Likewise on the double pole breaker theyll test for a reading of 240 volts.
If you decide to use a voltage tester dont touch a bare wire or the neutral as youre testing. Wiring a 20 amp 240 volt switch can be a confusing experience for the average homeowner used to working with standard 110 volt circuits. This switch doesnt use a neutral conductor. Attach the blue jumper connector to the opposite corner and the brown jumper to the other corner to form an x across the switch. Sparky channel 6417 views. The switch wires do not need to be disconnected at this time.
Using a continuity tester on the terminals see if there is continuity when the switch is turned on. Make sure that there are no cross connections between the two poles. Touch one prong to the terminal screw on the breaker and the other to the ground. A double throw switch connects an input terminal to one of two output terminals. A low reading or zero indicates a bad breaker. Turn off power to the switch at the circuit breaker.
Connect the switch as you would with a simple switch handling each pole separately. Cap wires as needed. If the electrician identifies a bad breaker theyll replace it and to determine what led to its failure. Disconnect the wires from one of the 220 volt circuit breakers that is working correctly. Thus a double pole switch has three terminals. Double switch test and replacement for bath fan and light in a 1960 house duration.