Hi,

I am having a problem with a new light circuit that I am trying to install and am hoping someone with fresh eyes can tell me what I am doing wrong.

What I am trying to do is add two lights and a switch in my attic. I am adding a junction off an existing light circuit (only three lights on existing circuit). What I did was run the black through the switch box to the first light and then the black from the first to the second light. I have the white connected to the switch and then running to the first light and then the second light. When I hooked it up and turned the breaker back on it tripped the breaker. So I disconnected the white and black to the second light (left just the switch and first light) and it worked fine.

Do I have my connections wrong (White-Switch-White-Light1-Light2 Black-Light1-Light2)?

I appreciate any input...

Carly,

Switches do not use Neutral (White) except when the White is the feed from a supply.

Where ever you are pulling your source from (Junction Box?)

The white should just pass through the switch box, o route to the light's white.

Black would be the switched leg.

If you are using a simple snap switch, you will see the words "On and Off" on the switch. Hint, if you see the "nO", the switch is upside down.

You route the Black from the junction box to the bottom of the properly orientated switch. Then connect the other side of the black to the top screw.

Now connect the Black to the light fixture's black and the white to the light fixture's white. Continue to the next light fixture.

Although connecting the white wires to the switch is incorrect, that shouldn't be causing the breaker to trip. Also make sure (in this case) that no black and white wires are crossed and that (in regards to the light fixtures) that you have black wires connected to brass screws and white wires to the silver screws. Hope this helped.

Thank you both very much for the response. I switched the white for the black in the switch. I also (looking back not very smart of me) attached the two black wires in the first light to the brass and the two white to the silver. I'm guessing that when I pushed the fitting in, one of the connections crossed or came loose, because when I pigtailed the first light making a cleaner connection, it worked great.

I appreciate the help...