My husband is trying to install a light switch to my laundry room and when he hooks it up and tries to turn the light on it throws the breaker. I have a light I have to reach up and turn on now and theres no problem. What should he look for besides an electrican?
2006-09-07 01:29:26 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
It is difficult to say without seeing what has been done.
Basically what should be going on is this:
The light circuit is made by your light completing a circuit made up of 2 wires. These are the Hot wire (black) and the Neutral wire (white). The White wire should be connected directly to the light. The live side of the hot wire (black) wire should be connected to one side of the switch and the other side of the switch should have a black wire running from the opposite side of the switch to the light.
That is the basics. The switch disconnects the live wire from the bulb, and the bulb is the only place that the black and white wires meet.
Hope that helps.
2006-09-07 01:47:12 · answer #1 · answered by In The Woods 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn the light on by reaching up- then turn it off at the new wall switch- if that does not work, remove the Light Fixture, connect the two white wires together, Use the wall switch to open and close the circuit of the black wire only.
2006-09-07 10:26:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol...the black wire from the power supply and the black wire to the light go onto the switch. This puts the switch in series . He must have the switch wired across the power supply then when you flip it....off goes the breaker, you are making a short circuit
2006-09-07 08:35:11 · answer #3 · answered by Laura 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he has the black and white wires both connected to the switch. Take a look at the following website for the proper wiring diagram.
Black wire from source (breaker box) connects to top terminal of switch. Black wire to load (light) connects to bottom terminal of switch. The white wires (common) all connect together with a wire nut.
http://hometips.com/hyhw/electrical/22switches.html
2006-09-07 08:36:57 · answer #4 · answered by troythom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could run a switch loop from the existing light. The one you reach up to turn on appears to be on its own circuit, or one that is compliant with the existing wiring. Close that circuit, and run a closed loop switch to that.
Or call an electrician.
That stuff is like rocket science to me.
2006-09-07 08:42:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is correct, except for that guy that said to use a bigger breaker. It is obvious that you don't need a bigger breaker because you are consuming the same exact wattage as you were prior to installing the switch.
Use the wiring diagram link that one of the respondants offered. If not, email me and I will talk you through it.
2006-09-07 08:40:45 · answer #6 · answered by Shyguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a higher voltage breaker, it doesn't have enough amps. It can't support the electricity from the fan and switch. There is a chance you have a crossed or shorted wire.
2006-09-07 08:35:34 · answer #7 · answered by Villain 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You got a short there you gotta locate and remove. Be careful though. Don't ignore it either cause you should get it fixed for safety and fire hazard reasons.
2006-09-07 08:36:28 · answer #8 · answered by sexy34 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋