This is something that I heard recently from a Local Inspector that demonstrates good deductive reasoning, I don't know if he thought of it but I guess he could have, He's pretty sharp.

(purely hypothetical - not to code obviously)

If you have a Light in the Attic and 3 switches in the Basement (1 turns on that light) - How can you fgure out, by yourself, which switch it is and only make the trip up to the Attic 1 time?

The Attic is not within sight, no one else there

Depending on the distance this might work.
Go to attic, attach a 9volt battery to hot and nuetral coming in from switch, now go downstairs and see what switch,in the off position gives you a voltage reading. You can also try wiring a recept. to the light temporarily and plugging in a radio with the volume on high and see which switch turns the radio on.

Vin,

Hint: It's not that complicated. Much easier - No rewiring or testing of anything.


I don't think I would try that 9 volt battery idea.

I would guess one is the basement light. Of the other two I would switch one on and leave the other off. If the attic light is on or off tells me which switch.

just a shot in the dark

Jeff

Jeff,

From where you are you can't tell what any switches are for. And you will only leave the switch location once to go to the Attic.

Hint: No tools or test equipment needed.

Why not just turn on all three switches? That would be too easy!! Don't keep us in suspense any longer. This is a good one!

Rick

Ok, Here it is..

Turn on 1 switch and leave it on for a minute. Turn that one off and turn on another. Go to the Attic immediately - if the light is on you know it's the switch you have on. If it's off but the bulb is warm - it was the first switch. If it is off and cold - it is the last switch that you didn't try yet.

Man,,,bill, you are one smart guy. I would have never though of that, but it is a perfect solution for this guy

justagirl,

Thanks, but I can't take credit for the answer. I heard it from someone.