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fread · Mar 22, 2009, 10:48 PM

I installed new switch and light, the switch trips the breaker I must have wires wrong , what color goes where, Thanks

Perito · Mar 23, 2009, 04:02 AM

Single pole switch?

If the switch trips the breaker, you must be feeding both the line (black) and the neutral (white) into the switch.

The neutral (white) should be routed directly to the light. The line (black) should be routed to the switch. The other side of the switch should be routed to the light. If it's a white wire, a piece of black tape should be placed on either end to identify it as not being a neutral conductor.

If it's a three-way switch, the above information is incorrect.

You have to identify the line and the neutrals. This is best done with a voltmeter (measured with respect to the bare, ground wire) and an ohmneter/continuity tester (the neutral will be connected to the ground wire at the circuit panel). You can also use a test light that will work as both a voltmeter and a continuity tester.

The neutral is routed directly to the light. The line (black) is routed to one switch's common terminal. A wire from the second switch's common terminal (preferably also black, but not white) is routed to the light. A pair of wires (travelers) are connected between the remaining two terminals of the other two switches. These wires are often blue, black, or red. If one is white, it should be identified with a piece of tape on both ends.

Stratmando · Mar 23, 2009, 04:42 PM

I would remove light first, cap the hot, see if breaker trips, if it doesn't, short was at the fixture. If it shorts with the light wire disconnected, likely at the switch.

stanfortyman · Mar 23, 2009, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by fread

I installed new switch and light, the switch trips the breaker I must have wires wrong , what color goes where, Thanks

Did you completely unwire all the splices in the ceiling box? I bet you did.

I bet you have a switch loop and re-made the splice in the ceiling color for color. By doing that you would create a dead short by turning the switch on.

What colors are in the ceiling box and what colors are in the wall box?
If all you have in the wall are white and black I am most likely right on this.

PLEASE post back with this information.

ballengerb1 · Mar 23, 2009, 06:12 PM

First tell me what made you replace the old switch, what happened with it.