Receptacle now "always on" after removing dimmer
#1
05-22-15, 01:15 PM
Receptacle now "always on" after removing dimmer
Hey Guys,
I had a wall outlet that was controlled by a dimmer switch. I took the dimmer switch off (only a red and a black wire going to the dimmer) and replaced it with a single pole on/off switch. The red and black wire now go to each terminal on the new switch. Now the outlet is always on.
There are 3 wires coming into the box where I have the 2 switches. One switch is for the outside porch light and the other should go to the wall outlet that is now always on. The 3 neutral (white) wires are connected in the same wire nut, the ground wires are connected via copper clamp and then connected to the porch light switch that is working correctly.
Should I be wiring this switch for the outlet differently?
Thanks!
I had a wall outlet that was controlled by a dimmer switch. I took the dimmer switch off (only a red and a black wire going to the dimmer) and replaced it with a single pole on/off switch. The red and black wire now go to each terminal on the new switch. Now the outlet is always on.
There are 3 wires coming into the box where I have the 2 switches. One switch is for the outside porch light and the other should go to the wall outlet that is now always on. The 3 neutral (white) wires are connected in the same wire nut, the ground wires are connected via copper clamp and then connected to the porch light switch that is working correctly.
Should I be wiring this switch for the outlet differently?
Thanks!
#2
05-22-15, 01:20 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
How about if you disconnect the switch and just leave the wires unconnected.
What does the receptacle do then ?
You have three cables coming in correct ?
Probably 2) two wire cables and 1) three wire cable.
How about if you disconnect the switch and just leave the wires unconnected.
What does the receptacle do then ?
You have three cables coming in correct ?
Probably 2) two wire cables and 1) three wire cable.
#4
05-25-15, 01:21 PM
yes, there are 2 - two wire cables and 1- 3 wire cable. the 3 wore cable was originally attached to the dimmer with the red and black wire. if i just disconnect those wires, the outlet is still "always on".
#7
05-25-15, 02:27 PM
Member
Does the yes mean you took other splices apart in that box? If so it sounds like you have the black to the receptacle connected to the constant feed,if the Red goes to the receptacle then it could be a bad switch,though unusual.try what Pete suggested and see if the receptacle goes dead.
Geo
Geo
#8
05-26-15, 03:36 PM
The only thing I took apart was the old dimer and then tried hooking up the new switch. Another suggestion I had was about the ground wires. The 3 ground wires were connected via copper clamp and I took that apart to attach the ground wire from the 3 wire cable to the new switch.
There are 2 - 2 wire cables and those are connected at wire nuts then continued to my porch light switch. The porch light works fine with the switch. The 3 wire cable was only connected to the dimmer before, so that is why I am confused as to why it would be "always on" after just disconnecting the dimmer switch.
There are 2 - 2 wire cables and those are connected at wire nuts then continued to my porch light switch. The porch light works fine with the switch. The 3 wire cable was only connected to the dimmer before, so that is why I am confused as to why it would be "always on" after just disconnecting the dimmer switch.
#9
05-26-15, 03:52 PM
The 3 ground wires were connected via copper clamp and I took that apart to attach the ground wire from the 3 wire cable to the new switch.
#10
05-26-15, 03:58 PM
Group Moderator
The 3 wire cable was only connected to the dimmer before
#14
05-27-15, 08:31 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133649.../shares/318o18
the black wire in the red, black, and white cable is the constant on, and is the one connected to the outlet that is always on. I'm not sure I'm understanding why the switch is not working to turn that outlet off. Do I need to break the tab on the outlet receptacle in order for the switch to work?
the black wire in the red, black, and white cable is the constant on, and is the one connected to the outlet that is always on. I'm not sure I'm understanding why the switch is not working to turn that outlet off. Do I need to break the tab on the outlet receptacle in order for the switch to work?
#18
05-28-15, 04:10 PM
can you explain in further detail please? all i know is what i see there. the wires that are coming into the box and those are attached to either switches or outlets where plugs go into. sorry for the simplistic view im coming from.
#19
05-28-15, 06:05 PM
Group Moderator
On the hot (brass) side of the receptacle you have a black wire on the bottom and a red on the top. In order for the top receptacle to be switched the bridging clip must be removed on the brass side separating the red and black connection.
