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View Full Version : Dimmer switch only thing working on circuit


jdsti06
Dec 31, 2010, 03:31 PM
I replaced a regular light switch with a dimmer style switch when I first moved in. After installing and reseting the breaker the outlet on the same wall stopped working. Now 7 months later the light and gfci in the bathroom on the same circuit stopped working. Any suggestions? Thanks

ma0641
Dec 31, 2010, 03:59 PM
Look in the dimmer box for a loose wire, either neutral or hot. Sometimes bundled under a wire nut, they are never tightened enough, particularly with stranded wire. Make sure the GFCI isn't tripped!

jdsti06
Jan 1, 2011, 12:27 PM
I looked in the box and checked all the wire caps. The gfci has no power to it so it won't trip or reset. Any other suggestions? Thank you

ma0641
Jan 1, 2011, 12:51 PM
Somewhare you have a disconnected/loose/broken wire or a bad breaker if you are not getting power. Bheck the black lead to the GFCI and try to see whaer it comes from.

jdsti06
Jan 1, 2011, 01:06 PM
I tried replacing the breaker as well, and that had no effect either. Ive taken apart the two switches and 2 outlets on the circuit and can't find a break. I have three wires heading into the dimmer box, could it be linked to another switch or outlet that I don't know?

ma0641
Jan 1, 2011, 01:19 PM
What are the three wires? Colors?

jdsti06
Jan 1, 2011, 01:28 PM
I have 3 sets excuse me. The whites are all bundled in the back, and the grounds are all bundled. Then there are 3 black wires. When I connected the dimmer, I didn't remember to mark the common. So I guessed and the dimmer worked first try. Then once everything stopped working I went back in and tried switching it, but then the dimmer stopped working as well, so I put it back the way I had it.

ma0641
Jan 1, 2011, 03:09 PM
Do you have a voltage tester-VOM? If so, pull out the black, take off the wire nut and test each black against a ground. Whatever one shows 120VAC is hot. You can also use a neon tester, available at HD for $5. Then you will need to test continuity between the non not wires using an ohm meter or a VOM set for ohms. For the dimmer to work, you will need 2 blacks or a black and a white if it is a switch loop. You will need to do a little snooping, it's hard to determine without seeing it.

jdsti06
Jan 1, 2011, 03:17 PM
The dimmer it self has worked since day one. If I had it backwards it wouldn't work right? I just don't get how one outlet stopped working immiditly after and the rest of the circuit 7 months later? It doesn't make sense. Unless the dimmer is somehow backwards and is effecting the rest of the circuit slowly?

ma0641
Jan 1, 2011, 03:31 PM
The dimmer wouldn't be in series with any outlet. I still believe you have an open circuit somewhere. Outlets rerely go bad, they wear out. By chance, did the original switch control an outlet or don't you know.

jdsti06
Jan 1, 2011, 03:38 PM
As far as I know it just controlled the light in the room