Troubleshooting the Light

 

Wall Switch - No Power
Tequesta, FL
October 22, 2026

The light on the veranda has not worked in a couple of months. I checked the bulb and that was not the problem. Too easy, right? So I suspected there was a wiring issue somewhere. 

The other evening, I was cooking on the grill and trying to read the temperature of the meat. I had difficulty reading the thermometer because it was dark--sunset is coming earlier and we will soon be jumping back to standard time which means darkness will envelop us earlier.

Behind the Light
Tequesta, FL
October 22, 2026

Yesterday, I decided to attack the problem. I started with the switch. I wanted to determine whether it had power or whether there was a loose connection. It had no power! Well that's a problem. Then I had a choice to make. Do I open the light fixture and see if the hot wire runs through it, or do I find the nearest wall receptacle? I chose poorly. I opened the light. Only one wire coming from the wall switch. No other problems noted.

OK, so on to the nearest wall receptacle. Eureka!

Wall Receptacle with Unattached Wire
Tequesta, FL
October 22, 2026

I confirmed the receptacle had power and then turned the circuit off. Upon opening the receptacle, the problem became apparent. As I pulled the switch out, one of the wires that was supposed to be inserted into the receptacle was almost out and as I pulled the switch out to examine it more closely, it separated from the switch.

I carefully reinserted the wire, ensuring it clipped into place. I turned the circuit back on and checked the connections with my multimeter. All was good. I then turned the circuit back off and reinstalled everything. 

We have light on the veranda again!

The project was a success!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL