Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    rcsokas's Avatar
    rcsokas Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 28, 2010, 05:47 PM
    Hook up light switch
    I have a switch with three wires one white,one black and one bare copper I know the white is nuetral, the black is power, and the bare is ground. Or the green bolt on switch frame the switch from the store has one stainless screw which I suppose the white wire goes to the black does it go to the brass screw or black screw I tried both switch doesn't work this switch has both stainless and brass screw on one side and both black screws on the other plus green screw on bottom for ground any help would be helpful
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 28, 2010, 05:57 PM

    U have the wrong switch. U need a 2 pole switch. It only has 2 screws on it and the ground screw on frame.

    Chuck
    rcsokas's Avatar
    rcsokas Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 28, 2010, 06:02 PM
    Thanks I will take it back to Home Depot tomorrow. A pretty face isn't always right.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Nov 29, 2010, 03:09 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by rcsokas View Post
    I have a switch with three wires one white,one black and one bare copper I know the white is nuetral, the black is power, and the bare is ground. or the green bolt on switch frame the switch from the store has one stainless screw which I suppose the white wire goes to the black does it go to the brass screw or black screw I tried both switch doesnt work this switch has both stainless and brass screw on one side and both black screws on the other plus green screw on bottom for ground any help would be helpfull
    OK, this whole thing is very confusing. First off, if you could write in sentences it will be much easier to comprehend.

    OK, are we talking about a switch, or receptacle? If this is a switch then you have a switch loop and the white is NOT a neutral.

    Also, I know creahands was trying to help, but you do not want a 2-pole switch. You need either a single pole or 3-way switch.

    Can you provide an image of the switch you got and the box it is going into? A pic of the old one would be a big help as well.
    rcsokas's Avatar
    rcsokas Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Nov 30, 2010, 02:33 PM
    After further investication I realize I had to many recepticals to the same sitch. I added a new line I jumped off the light switch that was used for the basement lights one at top of the stairs and one light at the bottom. The other switch was hooked to the freezer,sump pump, and another wall receptacal. Cause when I hooked it all up the light got dim in the storage closet. Ran a line from the basement light to this box and hooked up everything is okay just have to turn switch on to basement to use. But got to to go downstairs anyway.and turn the light on anyway. Problem solved thanks anyway!
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

How to hook up two vanity lights on one switch? [ 3 Answers ]

My old lights you had to turn them on by hand now I need to put a switch in and not sure how to hook the switch and the lights up please could you help

Light switch trips itself in off position fed from breaker to switch to outside light [ 1 Answers ]

How to hook up two lights to one switch [ 6 Answers ]

The black wire from the switch and the black wire from one light have been attached to the red live wire. When the white wire from the switch and the white wire coming from the common white wire bundle in the junction box are connected and the breaker is turned on it trips the breaker.

How Do I hook up an Elevator Key Switch ? [ 1 Answers ]

I need to replace a regular push button call switch for an elevator (the lobby call button/ switch) with a keyed switch (to enhance security). The push button switch has four wires connected to it. Since the button lights up when depressed (pushed), and stays lit until the elevator arrives, I...

3 way switch hook up [ 3 Answers ]

I just roughed in a kicthen with 5 high hats. I am putting them on a 3way switch. One at either end of the room. Power coming from the switch out to the 5 high hats in 12/3. I ran the red straight through. All blacks wired together and all whites together. Does this sound right. Please help ...

View more questions Search