Switch off, lights come on dim when socket is plugge in


  #1  
Old 12-10-18, 12:40 PM
D
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Switch off, lights come on dim when socket is plugge in

Set up our Christmas tree in our sun room and plugged it in only to find the outlet is wired to a switch for overhead lighting in our sun room. When the lights are switched on the outlet is not hot. When the lights are switched off, the socket is hot. The problem is when we plug our Christmas lights in with the overhead light in the off position they come on dim. Unplug the lights and the lights remain off. I've tried to find something online and in books but haven't found anything that helps. Any thoughts? Thanks. (100 yr old home, updated, I've already told my wife to leave the Christmas tree lights alone.)
 
  #2  
Old 12-10-18, 01:00 PM
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Hi, is this something you just noticed, has any work been done recently? you may have to open the boxes and pull the switch and receptacle out and take some pics so we can see what you have there.
Geo
 
  #3  
Old 12-10-18, 05:03 PM
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Your problem is the some tapped into a switch loop to power the lights. When the switch is on the receptacle is active. When the switch is off the lights and the receptacle are in series.
 
 

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