Can someone explain to me why my wire is hot on only one end. The attached image shows my current wiring configuration.
I'm using a voltage tester. When the switch is off only the bottom screw is reading hot. When switch is on both screws read hot.
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1How are you measuring the voltage? Have you verified that you have good connections at both ends?– MarkCommented Oct 16, 2022 at 5:34
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1Is it possible that by some chance you measured "hot" on the wrong switch terminal and the switch is in the "off" position?– Michael Karas ♦Commented Oct 16, 2022 at 6:38
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I'm using a voltage tester. When the switch is off only the bottom screw is reading hot. When switch is on both screws read hot.– user157833Commented Oct 16, 2022 at 17:16
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2 Answers
The only possible answer is the black wire to the light is broken.
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Thanks. I just ran new wire today so not sure how it would be broken but I'll check it out. Commented Oct 16, 2022 at 3:08
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@user157833 Good chance if you wiggle that wire the light will be on/off.– crip659Commented Oct 16, 2022 at 9:33
I would suspect a poor connection (equalling a lack of connection) from the switch screw that reads hot to your non-contact tester to the wire you think is hot there. So the screw is hot, but the wire probably is not.
A break in the wire (or a bad junction if there are any, but you don't show any) is the other possibility, but far more rare than a bad connection. Typical cause for a poor connection would be getting the wire insulation clamped by the screw, rather than the actual copper wire.
A multimeter would offer more definitive testing, including continuity of the wire, but working with what you have, recheck that connection (breaker off first, of course)
answered Oct 16, 2022 at 21:54
