I have a couple of switches in my house that I can’t determine what they do. How do I figure out what they are connected to, or otherwise troubleshoot a mystery switch to try to get it to work again?
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1 Answer
Start by opening them up and seeing if they've been bypassed. Sometimes people eliminate a switch, and then don't bother removing the switch because they don't want to be left with an empty hole. If you find a bypassed switch, un-bypass it.
Some switches actually switch power to a receptacle. This is often done instead of an overhead ceiling light, because that saves the builder a couple of dollars. There's a complication: As you know, most US receptacles have 2 sockets. The sockets can be split to be separately controlled: if you ever hear something about "tabs" on sockets, that's what that's all about. It's common to split and have one socket switched and the other always-hot. So you need to check 'em both... on each recep.
Sometimes, novices replace receptacles (they don't like the color) and they don't even realize that tabs are a thing, so they don't break off the tab like the old one was. This will have the effect of defeating the switch. Spotting these is a bit of a trick, and the only way is to open up the receptacles and look for odd wiring.
answered Jul 16, 2020 at 2:43
Harper - Reinstate MonicaHarper - Reinstate Monica
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yeah if someone replaced a split outlet and didn't remove the tab that would bypass the switch.– JasenCommented Jul 16, 2020 at 5:28
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Where are the switches located? Are there outlets on the eves for Christmas lights? Maybe crawl space lights? Commented Jul 16, 2020 at 13:50
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Yup, my mother-in-law's home had a switch that was a mystery to her for 15 years, in the hallway. I discovered that it controlled a light fixture in the attic. Commented Jul 16, 2020 at 14:37