I took the wires out of the old switch and tried to install them in the same places on the new switch. There were 3 wires; one connected to the top screw, one looped around the bottom screw and one in the hole on the back of the switch. I can't get the last wire in the hole on the back of the new switch. I tried grounding that wire but it didn't work when I flipped the breaker back on and now the dishwasher (which drains through the disposal and is on the same breaker) doesn't work either. I don't want to have to pay to hire an electrician if I'm just missing something small. I rewired all of the outlets in the kitchen and I assumed the switches would be just as easy. Help!
2007-03-27 13:27:12 · 6 answers · asked by Matt and Diane 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
There were 3 wires; one connected to the top screw, one looped around the bottom screw and one in the hole on the back of the switch............The 2 wires that were attached (The one in the hole in the back Mainly) which ever wire was attached to the screw beside the one in the hole in the back need to be tied together and pigtailed(made into one wire) and reattached to the switch, From what you posted, this should make it work again....hope this helps.
2007-03-27 14:08:22 · answer #1 · answered by Ray D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There should be 2 brass colored screws on the switch and one greenish colored screw. The 2 black wires go to the brass screws and the ground wire (green or bare wire) attaches to the green screw. Reset the breaker by turning it all the way to the off position then quickly back to the on position. DO NOT WATCH while resetting the breaker, simply turn your head away while resetting. If there is a short there could be a blinding flash and is better not to watch it.
2007-03-27 13:47:31 · answer #2 · answered by NubbY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the hot wire and the wire going to dishwasher should be pigtailed with another 7 inch #12 wire and then the 7 inch wire should be connected to one of the screws on the side of the switch and then the hot wire going to garbage disposal should be put on the other screw this should fix your problem
2007-03-27 15:48:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The container your new switch came it should have directions. the hole in the back is for the black wire, hot wire, and I think the top screw is for the white wire, neutral, and the bottom for the bare wire, ground. All three wires are needed for safety. join yahoo groups to find a group in wiring. yahoo answers is for people trying to get points.
2007-03-27 14:07:12 · answer #4 · answered by blue_eagle74 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
your power wire that goes TO the switch is connected to the wire that goes to your dishwasher. you can hook them 2 togather on the same screw. then hook the wire that goes to the disposal to the other screw. that should make it work properly.
2007-03-27 17:01:13 · answer #5 · answered by jimboponder 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to ray d. The pig tail is the right way to feed power through the box and to your switch.
2007-03-27 14:37:42 · answer #6 · answered by jim m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋