This is the second light on this switch. The other works properly. Th new light only comes on when the switch is off. There are four wires coming out of the fixture when they are not needed. I have switched and reversed everything, only get light when wired as should be when the switch is off. Even replaced the switch. Thanks.
2007-08-29 02:50:45 · 7 answers · asked by dlucky 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I had a similar problem when replacing an old ceiling fan with a new one. The old switch had all kinds of wires and the new one did not. I tried all the wires to get it to work properly with the switch--but it did not work. What I ended up doing was finding which wires were hot all the time (positive and negative) and hooking to the fan (I hooked up the common ground as well). I connected these wires to a wireless controller (found at Home Depot) and it worked fine. If you feel comfortable and can access the wires, it would be better to just run new wires from the first light to the second and be done with it. Don't ask me why it always takes three days to do a 10 minute job!
2007-08-29 03:37:39 · answer #1 · answered by Daniel K 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe you are dealing with what is called a three way switch, (Single pole double throw), which is, or was, part of a system of two switches that control the lights in question.
If there were three wires to the original switch instead of two, thats what you've got.
You've connected one light to one 'leg` from the switch, and the second to another, (probably one of those "four wires coming out of the fixture when they are not needed.")
The original circuit is best described, (can't do a diagram here), as a railroad line with a siding and two switches, (one at each end of the siding).
The power comes from the circuit and is shunted to one line via the first switch. If the second switch is on the same line the power is on through to the light.
If either switch is moved the power goes off.
if either switch is then moved the power is on again.
Draw it and it will become clear.
Nothing is supposed to be connected to the two lines between the switches.
I suspect this is what you've done.
Sorry I can't be clearer. Good luck.
2007-08-29 14:45:05 · answer #2 · answered by Irv S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have gotten into the wiring for 2 three way switches. Those wires that you think are not needed, are in fact needed. Those were the runners between the two switches. The most logical idea at this point is to call an electrician to put things back together correctly. Unless you can remember how everything was connected when you started. Good luck.
2007-08-29 21:25:06 · answer #3 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a licensed electrician and with a little more info from you i can make sure you do a safe installation. Before you added the second light to this switch did you also have another switch in the room that also controls the light? Does the switch have three positions? Does the switch have ON and OFF marked on it? If it doesn't you definitely have a three way switch. Now if you do have a three way switch you need to find the other one and make sure which one goes directly to the existing light fixture since that is the one you need to connect to not the one on the feed side from the electric panel. Make sure before you do any probing or disconnecting that you shut off the power. Once the power is disconnected check with proximity tester to make sure power is off, now remove all the wires from both switches noting where they were connected before you remove them. If it is a three way switch you will have a SHUNT which will be a BLACK colored screw and on the opposite side you will have two screws that are called travellers. Once you have them all disconnected from both switches wrap electrical tape around all exposed copper wire or use small wirenuts. Once you do this turn the circuit back on and check with your proximity sensor at each switch location, you should see power at only one location and that is the feed side. Shut the power off again and rewire the feed side. You now know that you need to connect your new light to the other switch on the SHUNT terminal and both of those lights will turn on at the same time. Of course if you can easily get the power from the existing light fixture you can avoid all this extra work. Good Luck!
2007-08-29 13:52:47 · answer #4 · answered by KevinHenn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would have wired the second light, straight from the connectors on the first light. Then you won't need to worry about the switch at all.
What your doing is fine if you have two switches, say one each end of the passageway, and wan't to turn on and off from either end.
But even then one light should be wired from the other light.
Needless to say electricity is dangerous. Ask your self if your house burnt down would your insurance cover your electrical work if it was at fault.
2007-08-29 11:33:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So, when the switch is on, the first light is on but when you turn it off the second light comes on? If that is right, it sounds like you are trying to control 2 lights with one 3 way switch, which is impossible. You need to hire an electrician. You are in over your head.
2007-08-29 10:22:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not enough information are there two switches are they three way ( three screws ). A good idea check with an electrician.
2007-08-29 13:49:54 · answer #7 · answered by petethen2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋