Light circuit live when switched off, but not 'live' when light on

[paulg]

Hi, I was thinking of installing a light in parallel to an existing one (i.e. both running of the same switch) before we installed the wire we used a voltage tester to check the circuit. We noticed that for that light (and all ceiling lights in the area) when the switch (and light) were off, voltage was present, but when the switch and light were on, voltage was absent. What gives? Also, how would we connect the second light into this circuit?

Thanks in advance, Paul.

[chrisp]

Paul,

Two things to be aware of:

Firstly, in Australia it is illegal for a non-licenced person do do any fixed electrical work.

Secondly, you need to be aware that the light circuit will still be alive even with the light off. The power has to be turned off at the switchboard before touching anything. Turning the light switch off just won't do!

I would suggest that you contact an electrician - or if you wish to proceed with the illegal wiring, that you need to read up on how lights are typically wired before tackling such a job.

[Ashore]

Can only agree with crisp on all points
When you say voltage tester do you mean a stick that you hold against the wall or fitting and you get a light or noise if voltage is detected . No electrician would trust one of these they are an indicator at best , you need to check any wire you touch ( weather you believe you have isolated the circuit or not ) you need to test with a meter you have tested and know its working and you should be trained in the use of multimeter's and know what to look for and how to test a circuit before doing anything to any circuit .:no:

[watson]

Paul,
this is one of those occasions, because of what you've said in your post, the only advice that can be given here is GET AN ELECTRICIAN!
The cost will be a lot cheaper than the potential funeral costs.

[applied]

yeah what gives why is it birds can sit on the powerlines but when i climb up there i get killed oh yeah now i remember electrician school if you measure between two wires that are both live you get no voltage of course how silly of me.

[Faster]

Newby to forum but I run a company that does electrical work.

We call Non Contact Voltage Testers

"Death Sticks"

We do use them but they are only an indication in conjunction with a meter and lastly putting the active on the neutral, with 1000v pliers of course.

Just spend the $85 bucks and get a sparky.

[applied]

Just spend the $85 bucks and get a sparky.

wow thats dirt cheap i hope thats just the call out pity your not near by i could sub all my work out to you and charge 120

[Faster]

$85 callout first 30 mins. Some charge more. Some have an apprentice with each tradesman.

Our Single tradesman callout is $85

[chrisp]

wow thats dirt cheap i hope thats just the call out pity your not near by i could sub all my work out to you and charge 120


$85 callout first 30 mins. Some charge more. Some have an apprentice with each tradesman.

Our Single tradesman callout is $85

Psst, guys, we are trying to get the new member to do the right thing and call a sparkie - don't scare him off with with idle chat about who can charge the most!

:)

[paulg]

Sorry I asked - I think I'll call a sparky!

Cheers, Paul.