then there will almost certainly be live wires in the box with the switch off. If your light switch is a dimmer, then the socket is still live. You can still get enough current to kill you, or even just knock you off of the ladder and cause secondary injuries. Turn off the breaker.Click to see full answer. Likewise, is it safe to replace a light fixture with the switch off?Power to the light box, and a loop to the switch. Even with the switch off, there are live wires at the light. You should be just fine with the light switch turned off. If the light switch is not in close proximity to the socket where you will be working, place a sign over it or tell family members to not touch it.Likewise, can you change a light switch without turning off the breaker? You can, but it’s not a good idea. Heck, you can change it with the power on, but that’s not a good idea, either. Turning off the switch will disconnect power, if the fixture is wired properly. Some still like to run a “hot” wire to each lamp, and switch the neutral, or grounded conductor. Consequently, does a light have power if the switch is off? It depends on how the circuit is wired. There are several different circumstances that turning off the switch does not kill power inside the box the fixture is attached to.How do I know if a switch is bad? How to Tell If an Electric Light Switch Is Bad Turn off the power to the light circuit at the breaker panel. Remove the screws holding the cover plate on the light switch with a slotted screwdriver. Remove the wires from the terminals. Test the switch with a continuity tester. Check the switch with a multimeter.