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Switch Voltage
On an energized, intact circuit, you will read voltage across an OPEN switch when testing with a voltmeter. However, you probably won't read significant voltage across a CLOSED switch.
Both sides of a closed switch are electrically identical (or at least very close). Therefore, there should be no movement of electrons between the leads of your voltmeter.
I have seen many new apprentices get confused when they measure across the points of an energized (closed) contactor or between two energized low voltage circuits, and they measure 0 volts.
Voltage measurement is always a measurement of the potential difference between two points. It's not simply a measurement of how much “electricity” can be measured at one point. (Current or amperage represents the actual electrons moving through a circuit. It's so easy to learn that I even taught my sons about basic electrical theory.)
So, just remember:
Across a closed switch = 0 volts (or if it does display voltage, it is the voltage drop across the switch)
Across an open switch = applied voltage
—Bryan
Comments
This is why an alligator clip on the. Black lead of your meter is one of the best investments you can make.
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“Across an open switch = applied voltage”
my interpretation of this situation is that it should read as follows
“Across an open switch = potential voltage” as the unit is in the off state and thus not applying (using) any of the electrical energy.
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