Switched out recepticals and now switches don't work?

Question

The house was built in the 50's, I tested the legs for the switch to the fixture and it was hot. I checked all the plugs and everything is fine, there were no half hots that were changed out or anything. I didn't do the work. I was called in to fix the problem. When they changed the plugs out, the room fixture switch, and the two switches in th hall went? Please give me some Ideas

Answer 1

Check for a thrown breaker in the breaker box

Answer 2

It sounds more like a loose or broken wire. Remove the changed recepticles and start over. Test all lines as you go. If you have a continuity tester that would also help. It could show you if one of a pair is broken. If not you can seperate the wires and work hot ( not recommended )

Back in the 50's they fed the fixtures first and brought the lines down to the outlets. Just some experience doing work on old houses.

Good Luck
AK

Answer 3

Switches just burn out- they only can be turned on and off sooo many times. It's really easy to change a switch out... it's like installing a light fixture!! You only have 2 wires. I would go to home depot and buy a simple book on it or ask someone there. Don't pay someone to fix it, it's very simple.

Answer 4

You have not wired the rec. properly and left the wires to the switchs disconected Consult a elecrican or get a how to do book from lowes or home depot (You are lucky your not tripping the circuits) Some one probably has crossed wires with another box or added wire to the system randomly

Answer 5

Is it possible that the original switches were 3 way switches (double pole) ..and instead of putting in 3 way switches the person who put the switches in put in single throw switches? way's?

.. see example here..
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/geog/gessler/topics/switches.htm