Determining whether a 3-way light switch has suffered internal mechanical failure and requires replacement involves performing a continuity test with a digital multimeter. First, always ensure safety by shutting off the circuit breaker and verifying zero energy with a voltage tester before unscrewing the switch from the wall box. Second, disconnect all wires attached to the switch terminals. Third, set your multimeter to the continuity or ohms setting, place one test probe on the dark common terminal, and test against each brass traveler terminal while flipping the switch toggle back and forth. You can troubleshoot switch failures safely. You can verify that your test is accurate when the multimeter reads zero ohms or sounds a tone in one toggle position and shows infinite resistance in the other, proving whether the internal contacts are functioning properly.
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