Questions tagged [switch]

For questions about switches, i.e. electrical devices used to manually open and close an electric circuit on a routine basis.

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1 vote
3 answers
101 views

Switch loop with continuing power to supply an outlet

Attached is a diagram of what I’m trying to make sure I wire correctly. I have 12/2 wire coming from panel to light fixture, 12/3 wire with red going from light fixture to a double toggle switch, 12/...
  • 13
3 votes
1 answer
45 views

How do I wire my new smart switch for bathroom light & fan control?

I've never installed a light switch before and I've done a ton of research but this part stumps me. I have a two-gang switch in my bathroom. The left switch turns on the light and fan. The right ...
  • 31
0 votes
2 answers
49 views

Bathroom switch controls both fan and light

I am trying to understand the way my bathroom switch is wired. I want to wire my light and fan to separate switches. Previously there was a timer switch installed that would turn on both the light and ...
  • 101
0 votes
0 answers
41 views

Wiring up a ceiling fan using 3 way and 4 way switches

I’m installing a ceiling fan with a remote and I have 3 way switches and 4 way switches to that fan. I want to use the remote and the wall switches. Can anyone help me out with this?
5 votes
2 answers
906 views

Lightswitch Feels Loose

I noticed last week that our light switch was stiff when turning off the lights. This evening, it's not stiff anymore and requires little effort to turn it on or off. I was also able to move the ...
2 votes
1 answer
28 views

Triple Despard to new Triple Rocker Switch

Switching out lighting and outlets in our 1981 home from wonderful khaki to something more modern. I've done 3-way and 4-way switches, outlets, GFCI, etc. all over the house, but the bathrooms have ...
0 votes
1 answer
91 views

New wafer lights stopped working after a week

I have two wafer lights connected to a switch at the end of a circuit. Here's what my diagram looks like this. I replaced the 2 wafer lights about a week ago and they worked fine. They stopped ...
0 votes
3 answers
44 views

Adding a third light circuit onto existing

I have included a diagram of my current basement lighting setup - this is how the house was built. Switches 1/2 control Light 1, Switch 3 controls Light 2. I would like to add Light 3, and Switches 4/...
0 votes
0 answers
48 views

Wiring a 2-gang light switch

I would like to remove an old 2 gang dimmer swtch and replace it with a standard 2 gang switch. My new 2 gang switch is a 2 way switch but I will be using it as a one way switch. The current wiring ...
  • 21
5 votes
4 answers
251 views

Using a countdown timer to control a 40A 240V contactor

It seems there are a couple ways to do this, but I haven't seen the exact solution I'm looking at so I wanted to check with the community on this. I have a 4KW patio heater I'd like to control with a ...
  • 51
3 votes
1 answer
90 views

Spark while changing light switch

I was replacing an existing switch to a wireless smart switch today. I did not turn off the breaker for that circuit (I am not electrician, only have basic knowledge about changing switch / receptacle,...
0 votes
1 answer
92 views

How to wire a 3-way decora leviton motion sensor switch?

I want to replace one of the two 3-way switch that's in my laundry room. I have the Decora D0S05 model switch: PDF instructions here The issue though is that the switches beside it is linking up the ...
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1 vote
3 answers
69 views

Why is my well pump overpressurizing?

I have a Franklin 3/4 hp submersible pump 100’ deep in my 5” well bore. I just replaced it as it was showing a consistent overload light on my pump controller. I made sure to test it after I pulled it ...
  • 13
2 votes
1 answer
52 views

replacing daisy-chained light switches correctly?

I'm replacing 2 single-pole light switches in my bathroom to decora-style (see image). Would appreciate if someone could verify my plan. Here's more details and photos: The left switch turns on the ...
0 votes
1 answer
24 views

Switching a single switch to 2 switches for light and fan [closed]

What materials are needed to separate a single switch with light and fan to 2 switches
0 votes
1 answer
41 views

Trying to get switch to control only half the outlet

Ok new bedroom, new question.. I have this legrand radiant paddle switch with locator light giving me another headache. Model# TM870WSLCC10 The switch has 1 red wire, 1 robins egg blue wire, and a ...
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5 votes
3 answers
757 views

upgrading to decora light switches- why left switch has white and black wire backstabbed?

I have a 1979 home; I'm looking to replace 2 light switches in my bedroom from toggle style to decora-style. I would like to double-check some things before starting and any help is much appreciated ...
1 vote
1 answer
129 views

Switched outlet has "open neutral" when switch is off, and shows "wired correctly" when switch is on

Switched outlet has "open neutral" when switch is off, and shows "wired correctly" when switch is on. All other outlets in the room show "wired correctly" so the only ...
  • 11
0 votes
2 answers
45 views

How do I wire this for a smart switch? [duplicate]

I am trying to wire a smart switch to this outlet. The switch I have removed is for the outside light. I’m confused because it looks like there’s a white wire being used for switching instead of ...
4 votes
2 answers
713 views

How did this ceiling exhaust fan get stuck on (and why did disconnecting this wire fix it)?

I'm in the USA. One day, the ceiling fan in a room kept going and didn't turn off when the timer switch that controls is turned off. Pressing the off button on the switch didn't turn off the fan. I ...
  • 165
0 votes
1 answer
29 views

Add an extension to a shower head valve switch

Instead of installing an extension pipe to my shower head, I want to craft an extension to the valve switch that changes the shower head to the hand held mode, or inbetween both modes. My husband is ...
0 votes
1 answer
61 views

How do I remove and make redundant a light switch in a 2 gang box?

I have a two gang box. It contains a light switch and an outlet. The light switch does not control the outlet. I would like to remove and make redundant the light switch. It is an older house and we ...
2 votes
1 answer
114 views

Why is there continuity between line and load wires to a light switch that is off?

I've been investigating a light switch that seemingly doesn't control anything, and discovered that there is continuity between the line and load wires going to the switch. When the circuit is powered,...
1 vote
1 answer
47 views

Installing Kasa Hs210 smart switch

I am trying to install a Kasa HS210 smart switch in my basement/garage. 5 light fixtures are installed in the ceiling with led lights attached. There are 3 switched controlling these lights, a three ...
  • 11
0 votes
0 answers
60 views

What is going on with this room’s wiring? Should I try to find where the circuit begins?

So this room is wired strangely. The house is from the 1980s. I am in the process of changing out old outlets and switches. Something is not working right. I have researched 3 and 4 way switches and I ...
0 votes
2 answers
54 views

Pull 14/3 between two switches to bring neutral to one of them

I've read a bunch of similar questions, but none actually detail the wiring for what I'm trying to accomplish. This is in the US, and in my state NEC 2020 applies. I have two switches on the same ...
0 votes
1 answer
97 views

Trying to figure out how to add a receptacle from the far 3 way switch

I've read answers to similar questions but I'm still confused. I'm trying to add an always on receptacle from the far switch of a 3 way switch circuit. Right now the circuit is wired like this: I don'...
2 votes
1 answer
65 views

Replacing old Nutone Despard/triple Switch with Triple Rocker

I'm looking to replace an old Nutone Despard/triple switch, which has individual controls for the light, vent & heat aspects of the overhead unit. Through a series of push-in and jumper wires, ...
1 vote
1 answer
112 views

I had a outlet burn up and throw the main breaker

I had a outlet burn up and throw the main breaker.Now one wall of the living room doesn't have power to the outlets and and two lights on the same wall. And there are odd (one here and one on the ...
2 votes
1 answer
73 views

Multi-switch Light Wiring - Something has changed [duplicate]

I had a workman come round this morning and he had to detatch the light switches. Afterwards, he put them back on again, but something seems to have changed and I know that I need to swap two wires ...
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0 votes
1 answer
61 views

Understanding bathroom fan wiring

I want to replace existing fan switch in bathroom. I need to identify line, neutral, ground and load. Existing wiring is in the picture. I'm especially confused by green wire because everywhere it ...
  • 101
3 votes
3 answers
769 views

motion sensor switch always on

I wanted to install motion sensor switch in my bathroom. Its a small closet like room with a toliet sitting area. Most US users know what I am talking about. In it are two switches. One switch ...
  • 207
1 vote
1 answer
53 views

Control shed light from house's porch light switch on different circuit

This may have been asked already, but I can't find a post with the exact question so here goes: I have a garden shed with an outdoor light, controlled by a standard switch in the shed. The shed's ...
  • 11
3 votes
2 answers
373 views

How do I replace this switch if the black wire is looped around the screw?

Behind a 2 gang wall plate, there are 2 single pole switches. I am trying to swap the left one out with a Kasa smart wi-fi light switch. The problem is, the black wire that connects to the bottom ...
  • 33
0 votes
3 answers
74 views

Duplex Type A & Type C TR Outlet>>I still want lower half receptacle switched. HOW? [closed]

I want to install a new Duplex Type A & Type C TR Outlet. The current old duplex receptacle has the lower one switched. I still want the lower half receptacle switched. In cases where lamps are ...
  • 34
1 vote
0 answers
122 views

Identifying neutral for new switch with night light

I am trying to replace a single pole switch with one that has a built in night light. The new switch requires a neutral for the night light to function. Based on the previous wiring, it seems pretty ...
  • 73
2 votes
2 answers
48 views

Light switch issues

I have 2 questions if that’s okay. Outlet works but switch suddenly doesn’t. Had a painter in there. Possible that he rewired it wrong or knocked a wire loose when he replaced the plate? More ...
  • 23
1 vote
1 answer
37 views

LeGrande RRW600UBCCCV4 single pole 3 way installation [closed]

I want to install two LeGrande RRW600UBCCCV4 motion sensor switches. One on each end of the kitchen area so that the light comes on no matter which entry is used. From the ceiling I have a black wire ...
  • 11
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

How do I attach two hot wires to a single terminal?

I've got a hot wire in two wires out for two rooms. The two wires aren't sitting right under the screw in the switch and I believe it's fried the switch. It's been a long time since I've done any ...
0 votes
1 answer
50 views

Replacing single pole switch with dimmer

I am trying to replace a single pole switch with a fiet dimmer. However my box has 4 black and 4 white wires. I think the single black line-in is simple to identify and is connect to ac-l and ground ...
  • 1
0 votes
1 answer
54 views

Replacing Light Switch

I am slowly but surely replacing all the old switches in the house as many do. I am new to this and could use some advice. The switch I pulled out has two black and one red wire. I am looking for help ...
3 votes
2 answers
251 views

Two wires on a single terminal on a switch

I need to replace a switch. When I first took off the panel, I noticed two terminals plus a neutral so I assumed a single pole switch. However, when I went to replace the switch, I found two wires ...
  • 133
1 vote
1 answer
40 views

How do I identify my well water pressure issue?

I noticed my washer wasn't get much water pressure so I took the screen off the hose and cleaned it and now the pressure is great. The problem now is every time I use my washer, halfway through ...
  • 13
3 votes
3 answers
151 views

Can I use a timer switch with a humidity-sensing exhaust fan?

I've got a contractor doing a home remodel in California. Code requires humidity sensors on bathroom exhaust fans, and in any case automatic on/off due to humidity is a feature I'd like. Considering ...
7 votes
2 answers
2k views

Strange fan/light switch wiring - what in the world am I looking at

I feel as though I have a pretty good handle on wiring strategies - well, I did until I came across this today. What in the world am I looking at?? To provide some context, this dual gang switch ...
2 votes
1 answer
81 views

Faulty (Sparking) Single-Pole Switch in One Room Trips GFCI Outlet in Another Room

I am in the middle of updating the wiring in my ~100-year-old house. All switches, lights, and outlets on the second floor are on the same circuit from the breaker. Yesterday, I installed a ceiling ...
  • 125
0 votes
3 answers
79 views

can 3 way motion sensor switch be installed on either switch

I have a recessed light that is being controlled by two switches. Pics in red and green show the two switches. The green switch is nearest to the door and ideally that is where I want to install a ...
  • 207
10 votes
2 answers
3k views

Installing a new lighting circuit with the switch in a weird place-- is it correct?

As titled, I'm planning on installing a new 15A lighting circuit for my unfinished basement with 6 new 40W LED fixtures. The fixtures themselves are direct wire and UL listed. The diagram I drew up ...
3 votes
2 answers
211 views

Lights attached to a ceiling fan have stopped working

The lights attached to a ceiling fan have gone dead. I tested the switches with a voltage tester, and they seem to be working fine. I'm going to recount the whole saga in the hopes that someone can ...
1 vote
2 answers
83 views

How do I add a switched receptacle to a 3-way light switch box?

I am adding a receptacle for plugged lighting under cabinet in the laundry that I would like to be switched. I have 2-wire power with ground coming in to a 3-way light switch (#1). A 3-wire with ...

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