duplex switch ground?
#1
06-13-22, 12:44 PM
duplex switch ground?
I am not an electrician.
I have a single gang wall box with a 'duplex' (two) switches operating two separately powered circuits. I think I have some sort of grounding issue. Breakers for these circuits are often in the tripped position, while the circuit(s) continue to function as normal. When I attempt to reset, I get a large spark, loud pop, and the breaker blows.
Both of these circuits pass through an accessible junction box. The duplex switch is grounded to both circuits in the wall box, and both circuits are grounded together in the junction box, but not to the box itself. Could this be the source of my problem? Or should I look for another source of the problem? How should I approach solving this issue?
I have a single gang wall box with a 'duplex' (two) switches operating two separately powered circuits. I think I have some sort of grounding issue. Breakers for these circuits are often in the tripped position, while the circuit(s) continue to function as normal. When I attempt to reset, I get a large spark, loud pop, and the breaker blows.
Both of these circuits pass through an accessible junction box. The duplex switch is grounded to both circuits in the wall box, and both circuits are grounded together in the junction box, but not to the box itself. Could this be the source of my problem? Or should I look for another source of the problem? How should I approach solving this issue?
#2
06-13-22, 02:22 PM
Group Moderator
In a junction box or switchbox.... all grounds are connected together.
Connecting all grounds together will not cause a circuit to trip.
Somehow you have the hot from two circuits connected.
Connecting all grounds together will not cause a circuit to trip.
Somehow you have the hot from two circuits connected.
#4
06-13-22, 04:30 PM
A circuit can't operate with its breaker open so you don't have the correct breaker(s) for the switches or the switch circuits are also connected to a different breaker somewhere. Did you just do some wiring or is this an old problem?
#5
06-13-22, 07:41 PM
Truth is I have been doing work related to these circuits for a couple of years. I noticed the problem about a year ago. I just changed to a different breaker on a different panel position, and it seemed to work OK until now; it seems to have burned-in solid somewhere. Both circuits suffered the same problem this time. I thought it was a grounding issue since the ground was the only thing common between the two circuits. I am tempted to put a second junction box in and completely separate the two circuits, except for the switch box on the wall.
I did notice that a string of low voltage can lights working off one of the circuits seemed to flutter occasionally. I could change this by altering the current (The lights are on a branch circuit dimmer switch). Today I'm thinking I may have too many things working out of this one junction box. I guess, if I'm honest, I have created a mess... and may need to hire an electrician after all. I really would like to solve it myself, however, and understand it better.
I did notice that a string of low voltage can lights working off one of the circuits seemed to flutter occasionally. I could change this by altering the current (The lights are on a branch circuit dimmer switch). Today I'm thinking I may have too many things working out of this one junction box. I guess, if I'm honest, I have created a mess... and may need to hire an electrician after all. I really would like to solve it myself, however, and understand it better.
#6
06-13-22, 07:47 PM
Group Moderator
I just changed to a different breaker on a different panel position, and it seemed to work OK until now
#7
06-13-22, 10:31 PM
I need to try to understand this last reply. In my state of ignorance I could have done most anything. It's late tonight; I'll get back to it tomorrow morning. Thank you.
