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Electrical Wiring

electric trouble shooting

17 years ago

Hello. I am new to the message board and this website and would appreciate a little assistance with a small problem.

I have a dimmer switch controlling a recessed light that accents our fireplace. The switch is a clear plastic toggle that lights up orange. Recently the light in the toggle went out, and the fixture does not work. The toggle is in a two gang box beside a three way switch for a different set of fixtures. I do have some knowledge of electric and wanted to replace the toggle switch. I removed the cover to pull the bad switch to see it prior to purchasing a new one. As I pulled the switch, the ground wire (bare copper) came in contact with neighboring three way switch. This obviously popped the breaker as I didn't turn the breaker off. (I know, but wasn't planning on doing any work, just wanted to see the switch) Anyway, put the switch back and reset the breaker, but the two fixtures controlled by the three way switch do not work. There is power into the gang box and power to the three way switch. I thought perhaps the arc damaged the three way toggle, so I replaced it, still no lights. Checked the bulbs in the two fixtures, they are ok. Other fixtures and outlets on this circuit are working fine.

Any thoughts to the problem? I could use some help.

Thank you,

G

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Comments (3)

peeler
17 years ago
Assuming the bulbs are good, the circuit is getting power, there is no charring on the ends of the wires acting as an insulator, and you replaced the suspect 3 way switch correctly, there are only 3 other possibilities that I can think of: 1) burned out switch on the other end of the circuit, 2)damaged wire to the switch or fixtures, or 3) loose or bad connection somewhere.

The easiest thing to try is to replace the other switch in the circuit. Maybe its contacts couldn't handle feeding the current in the short. Have you tried flipping the toggle on the other 3 way switch in this circuit and then flipping the toggle on your new 3 way switch?

Next time, kill the breaker before risking your health or your family's health. Plus, invest in Rex Cauldwell's book on wiring a home--available at Amazon.
guyinacoldhouse
17 years ago
To the last post I would add that the new switch could also be bad, it happens. I don't see anything for it but to start testing things. You can use your multimeter to test for resistance in each device and wire to see if they are ok. Or you can risk life and limb and your family's good health by testing that you have the correct voltages when the circuit is hot. My lawyer advises me to tell you that you that electricity is dangerous and working on a live circuit can get you killed, your family would likely survive though. So do be careful and take reasonable precautions, and have someone around when you do the work, they can record your last words or call 911, whichever seems most appropriate.

If you decide to risk it go to
http://www.indepthinfo.com/3-way-switch/3-way-switch-explained.shtml
to see what voltages to expect where and see what you get.

Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: All kinds of 3 ways
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normel
17 years ago
Check any wirenutted connections in the two gang box. The short may have disconnected an already loose connection in that box.

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