I’m in the process of remodeling my kitchen and I’ve run into an electrical question that I hope some of you expert electrician dopers can help me with.
The wall switch for my garbage disposal is the type that has a small light inside the switch, so when the switch is off the handle lights up. I kind of like this, since it makes it easier to identify the disposal switch and not confuse it with the light switch right next to it.
Anyway, we’ve had to remove the sink/countertop/cabinets for the remodel, and now the electrical cable running to the disposal is temporarily disconnected. With nothing connected to the switch, the light doesn’t come on in the switch (no surprise there), but what does surprise me is that when I connect the leads of my voltmeter to the black and white wires (with the switch in the off position) two things happen. The light in the switch comes on, and the meter shows a reading of approx. 47 VAC. With the switch on, I get the expected 120 VAC reading.
Now, I’m ASSUMING that the 47 V is a very low amperage current to power the switch light, and that it only works with a load on the line so that there is a complete circuit. It does surprise me a little that the voltage is so high.
Anyway, I’m hoping that you electrical dopers can reassure me that this is normal, and that I’m not in danger of burning my house down every time I shut off the disposal.
Thanks,
FBG