MG Car Repair: 1976 MGB Brake Lights, brake light switch, ohm meter

Question
QUESTION: Brake lights stopped functioning last Sat.- removed switch,  cleaned thoroughly and reinstalled.  Brake lights now function when ignition switch is on, only.  Is this ok?  Is green power wire hot, only, when ignition is on?  I don't remember ever observing/testing brake lights with ignition off, but my lights won't function unless ignition is on.  I hope this is normal?

ANSWER: HI Tom,
Yes the lights don't operate unless the key is on.
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Now that you confirmed proper operation of brake lights I have another question pertaining to "how far to screw-in the brake light switch?"  Is it ok to screw it in until it stops, and then tighten the retaining nut?  Or should switch only be screwed-in half way?  I screwed it in until it started to get snug and then tightened the retainer.  What determines how far to screw-in the switch?

Answer
Hi Tom
Connect either an ohm meter or a power wire and a test light so you can see when the switch opens and closes. Screw the switch in until the light or ohm meter shows that the switch shows a "disconnect" then have someone push on the brake pedal and it should "connect". Then tighten the lock nut.
Howard