How to Correct Light Switch Wiring that Does Not Work
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How to Identify and Repair Light Switch Electrical Wiring: Repair Guide for Light Switch Wiring Problems, The key for each of these light switches is to identify where the power source is, which may be at the same location or there may be two separate power sources. © By: Dave Rongey |
Repair Guide for Light Switch Wiring Problems
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have two light switches side by side. I recently replaced both with newer switches of a different color.
- Now, neither works. One has three wires — two black and one red.
- The other has one white, tied to a black that then attached to one side of the switch.
- A black wire is attached to the other side.
- One switch controls an outside light, the other controls a ceiling fan.
- On the opposite side of the room, another switch also controls the ceiling fan.
- Now, that switch doesn’t work either.
- Is that enough information to tell me who it should be wired to the two switches?
I have obviously done something wrong.
This electrical wiring question came from: Gary, a Homeowner from Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Gary.
How to Identify and Repair Light Switch Electrical Wiring
Light Switches and Switch Boxes
- Light Switches and Light Fixtures
Light switch wiring may vary depending on the home and what is being controlled by the light switches, and it is important to note that just because there are two light switches in the same box does not mean that they are fed by the same electrical circuit. - 3Way Switch Wiring
The discussion of this question leads me to believe that there is a pair of three way switches for the ceiling fan, and the other is a single pole switch. To understand the wiring for the three-way switch it would be helpful to examine the wiring of the other three-way switch.
The Key to Wiring Light Switches
- The Power Source
The key for each of these light switches is to identify where the power source is, which may be at the same location or there may be two separate power sources. Once the power source has been identified then the wiring for the switches will be revealed.
White Wires Used for Switching Power
- White Switch Wires and Neutral Wires
It is important to not that “white wires” may be used for the switching process, however they should be marked with black tape or marker for clarification.
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Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
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Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
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Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches starting with photo diagram 1.
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Hi Sherwin,
Make sure to identify the power source for both switches, and that the pig tail splices are correct and well made. It sounds like the ceiling fan motor is wired as hot all the time and separate from the ceiling fan light switch control, which is typical. The neutrals should all be spliced together as well. After checking all of those connections if the porch light is not working then check the light bulb, then check to make sure the switch is working correctly.
Happy Wiring!
Dave
Two switches,the left controls the porch light while the right switch controls a ceiling fan and fan’s light. From the ceiling fan is a red wire, black wire ,white wire, and a bare ground wire.The porch light is wired with 14-2 NM wire.
When the switch in the kitchen was flipped all of the ceiling power shut down.
A short was found in the kitchen’s ceiling fan which was repaired and everything works except the porch light.
The cable from the ceiling fan has the red wire connecting top screw of right switch,the black wire is pig tailed to the bottom right switch.
The switch on the left for the porch light, the bottom screw receives the second pig tail from fan’s black wire. Both white wires and ground wires wrapped separately.