The double switch outlet in my bathroom went out. One switch controlled the fan and the other the lights (one on the ceiling and three on the wall). I went to Menards and bought a new double switch outlet for the wall. I thought it was going to be EASY - take the old one out and hook the new one up. There were two black wires and one white and one yellow. The house is about 60 years old and has copper wiring (although about 3 years ago I had an electrician install the fan and new lights and he put in the outlets.) Anyway, I hooked the wiring back how it was. Black and white to the light switch and black and yellow to the fan. Would not work - kept tripping the breaker. Proceeded to change the wires in every possible combination - kept tripping the breaker.

Finally tried having the black and white hooked up to the light switch - kept the black and yellow unhooked from the outlet and used the screwdriver to make a connection with the black and yellow for the fan... IT WORKED!! HOW AND WHY? I just can't figure it out. I asked my dad (not an electrician - as he says - he knows enough to be dangerous - and is stupid enough to get shocked every once in awhile ;-) ) Anyway, I still have no fan. I decided the light was more important that the fan. Any ideas on what is going on or how to fix it?

Can you provide the make and model number of both the old and new switches?

The new switch is a Pass & Seymour 690-WGCC6
Switch: Combination
Two Single Pole Toggles
15A 120/277 VAC

The old switch has the following on it:

Cooper UND.LAB. INC.LIST
120-277V 15A
CU Wire only PAT NO. 2,743.330

I appreciate your help! Merry Christmas! How old is the baby?

Thanks again!

I believe the small pryout tab between two screws on one side the switch needs to be removed, so that the Line side is separated.