best way to test a switch?

[edoh]

brake light? fan? etc -
keep reading about 'using a paper clip ' - will add one to the toolbox if i know what to do with it!
any comments welcome....

[dansimpson]

Using a paperclip to short out the wires will only test the rest of the circuit, ie if you remove the plug from yer rad switch and short across the terminals, if yer fan cuts in it only proves yer fan works, not the switch. To test the switch itself its best using a multimeter, but then you need to "trigger" the switch. If its a simple mechanical on off, like say a door courtesy light its easy to make the switch operate and check that its making contact - zero or at least very low resistance when on. The rad switch is a bit more difficult as it operates via temperature, so you'd need to up its temp to the point it operates, then check continuity between the contacts. Make sense??

[Footprint]

The 'paper clip' test means push a straightened out paper clip* into the the connectors of the wires that the switch connects/disconnects, and see if whatever is supposed to happen when the switch is operated does when the clip is in place and stops doing it when the clip is removed, if it does when the clip is used and it doesn't when the switch is fitted to the wires then the switch may well be the fault.

The paper clip is simply a means of connecting the wires together without having to remove insulation or removing connectors from connector blocks.

* Or a suitable piece of wire.

[edoh]

many thanks you two for your full and precise replies -
the generosity of others on this site - willing to share their knowledge and experience -
keeps amazing me -
thanks again -

[billybigspud]

this should not be tested on a switch in your house though. not unless you are a nutter anyway

[edoh]

whoops! its gone all dark in here.....
I'll just check the fusebox under the stairs...
now where did i put that paraffin lamp.......