light switch replacement in 1950's home
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
light switch replacement in 1950's home
Hi,
I am replacing several light switches and outlets in our home. Today, when replacing the light and fan switch (single unit with 2 switches) in my master bathroom, I found that the box (metal) had the ground wired directly to it and there wasn't enough wire to connect the ground to the new switch. I completed the install without connecting ground. I must have swapped the wires because now the fan will not run unless the light is on. Also, to make things a LOT more interesting and challenging, the fan in my hall bath is not working and an outlet in the spare bedroom is not working (neither of which were touched today). I did notice a pop noise the first time I used the new switches but wasn't sure what it was and until later this evening I didn't even know that other items wern't working.
So, here's the question. 1) do I need to ground the new switch and if so, how? 2) could swapping the wires cause other outlets in the house not to work?
Thank you for your help!
I am replacing several light switches and outlets in our home. Today, when replacing the light and fan switch (single unit with 2 switches) in my master bathroom, I found that the box (metal) had the ground wired directly to it and there wasn't enough wire to connect the ground to the new switch. I completed the install without connecting ground. I must have swapped the wires because now the fan will not run unless the light is on. Also, to make things a LOT more interesting and challenging, the fan in my hall bath is not working and an outlet in the spare bedroom is not working (neither of which were touched today). I did notice a pop noise the first time I used the new switches but wasn't sure what it was and until later this evening I didn't even know that other items wern't working.
So, here's the question. 1) do I need to ground the new switch and if so, how? 2) could swapping the wires cause other outlets in the house not to work?
Thank you for your help!
#2
1) do I need to ground the new switch
2) could swapping the wires cause other outlets in the house not to work?
If so the black and red of the 3-conductor cable go to the side of the switch that does not have a tab between the screws. The blacks of the two 2-conductor cables go to the side of the switch that does have a tab.
#3
1) do I need to ground the new switch and if so, how? 2) could swapping the wires cause other outlets in the house not to work?
Halex 14 - 12 Ground Clips (10-Pack) 26309 at The Home Depot
Yes, swapping the other wires can cause all kinds of problems. You need to reconnect the wires exactly like they were connected before if you want everything to work again.