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    flownicely's Avatar
    flownicely Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Dec 7, 2010, 05:26 PM
    I replaced a three wire switch
    I arched a wire while pushing the wires back into the metal electrical box. Far as I can tell only four or five switches on the circuit are out. Wondering where to start or what to do to find what happened in the line. Also I thought I blew the switch so I did replace that as well. If it helps it is also hooked to a dimmer switch on the same wires. No breaker was blown.
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
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    #2

    Dec 7, 2010, 08:06 PM

    First of all, why would you do it live? You risk personal injury and obviously you risked damage to the circuit. Check all the breakers... again. If a breaker didn't trip, you may have broken a wire or loosened a connection. Start at the panel and work to the end of the circuit. Have someone qualified to work with electricity help you or do it for you. Start by making sure there is no power to the circuit, pull the switch back out and see what shorted.
    flownicely's Avatar
    flownicely Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Dec 8, 2010, 06:32 AM
    Comment on Missouri Bound's post
    Thank you Missouri bound. I was unaware of the circuit being hot at the time. Apparently the circuit was wired to a main breaker as well as a four to five circuit breaker. Found the correct breaker and was able to rest peacefully. Thank you again.
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
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    #4

    Dec 8, 2010, 02:42 PM

    You are very welcome. Glad you solved the problem.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #5

    Dec 8, 2010, 03:01 PM
    Missouri always gets the job done.

    I find this statement very curious?

    Quote Originally Posted by flownicely View Post
    apparently the circuit was wired to a main breaker as well as a four to five circuit breaker.
    There is only one branch 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker for this?

    And of course, the Main, but wired to it?
    Wilso38's Avatar
    Wilso38 Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Dec 11, 2010, 04:39 PM
    Comment on Missouri Bound's post
    You're very lucky that you're resting peacefully, and not resting in peace.
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