ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area 120 volt on switch

Hi everyone.

I was replacing an old light switch with knob and tube wiring. After removing the switch I checked the voltage with my meter between the 2 switch wires and I get 120 volt reading yet when I connect them together they make the light work. Can anyone explain what's going on?

Thanks.

Sounds normal to me.

The meter is in series with the light bulb.

Cka
When you are touching the prods of your tester to the two conductors you are in essence completing the circuit. The circuit is a 120 volt circuit, so your tester will read 120 volts.

Pierre

Thanks guys. I guess if I removed the light bulb I would not get 120v reading on my meter.

Appreciate your response.