Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Snowslutz37's Avatar
    Snowslutz37 Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 24, 2013, 06:16 AM
    Need help
    So I'm needing help in a bad way so I got to change out my light switches cause they are out dated and I got new ones but I want to put a dimmer switch in for my living room but my out side light is hooked up with it and I could never get my dimmer to work so I tried a single pole and my living room light was off I flipped the switch and it poped and it didn't trip a breaker so I don't know what to do
    cdad's Avatar
    cdad Posts: 12,700, Reputation: 1438
    Internet Research Expert
    		  
    #2

    Mar 24, 2013, 07:09 AM
    Usually a "pop" indicates a bad connection. You might want to recheck what you have done. Please be sure to kill the circuit first before touching any wiring. Turn off the breaker at the box before you proceed.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Mar 24, 2013, 07:14 AM
    So I'm needing help in a bad way so I got to change out my light switches cause they are out dated and I got new ones but I want to put a dimmer switch in for my living room but my out side light is hooked up with it and I could never get my dimmer to work so I tried a single pole and my living room light was off I flipped the switch and it poped and it didn't trip a breaker so I don't know what to do
    So wow, this is one big long sentence, isn't it?
    Please try to write so folks can understand you a little clearer.

    As far as your problem goes, all we know is you tried to change some switches and something popped. This is not enough detail for us to even begin to help you. We need to know exactly what you did, and how you wired the switches, in the boxes in question.
    And also what you mean by the DR and outside are on together. Do you mean they use the same feed?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #4

    Mar 25, 2013, 05:18 AM
    Is the power cable already in the ceiling where the light will be going?

    If so, you need to use what is called a switch loop. You will have to install a new cable from the box in the ceiling to where the switch will be. You also need to put a device box and put the cable into the box.

    You connect the white conductor to the bottom of the switch (either use black tape or a black sharpie to mark this conductor) and the black conductor to the top of the switch. Connect the bare ground to the green screw on the switch frame.

    Back at the ceiling, [turn the breaker off so you are safe], Connect the white conductor [marked the same as at the switch] to the black power supply conductor. Connect the black from the switch to the black from the new light.

    The white from the power supply goes to the white from the new light.

    The bare ground from the supply goes to the ground on the new light.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Mar 25, 2013, 05:49 AM
    What are you trying to dim? Is there an existing light? Existing ceiling box?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #6

    Mar 25, 2013, 05:59 AM
    If there is an existing switch for the living room light, then all you have to is to replace the existing switch with the dimmer switch, after turing power off to the circuit.
    Snowslutz37's Avatar
    Snowslutz37 Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #7

    Mar 27, 2013, 04:57 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by donf View Post
    If there is an existing switch for the living room light, then all you have to is to replace the existing switch with the dimmer switch, after turing power off to the circuit.
    Thanks for all the help got it all done
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 wire a light switch from red-black and white wires to a 2 wire light switch [ 3 Answers ]

I am trying to change my light switch, but the problem I have is the old switch has a red, black and white wire connected with 3 different screw places for each wire. The new switch only has 2 connection screws, so I am wondering how to wire this up? FYI The house was built in 1954. And there is no...

How to wire a light fixture with a switch with one red one black and one white wire [ 2 Answers ]

I have a red and black wire from the switch and a red black and white wire in the outlet box and a black and white on light fixture how to wire

Splicing New Light Fixture to Existing Wire Between Switch and Outlet [ 8 Answers ]

You've probably seen this question million times. I am installing a new ceiling fixture in my room where there is already an existing light switch. After inspecting the attic, I discovered that all access to the light switch is blocked off by plywood. I noitced though the wire going to the...

How to change a pull string light fixture to a wall switch controlled light. [ 2 Answers ]

How do you change a pull string light fixture to a new light fixture with a wall switch. I have two wires running to the existing string light and am not sure what to do with those wires. I plan to change the light as well.

How to change a pull chain fixture to a fluorescent light fixture with a switch ? [ 1 Answers ]

I would like to install a switch for a pull light fixture. The only power is from the light fixture, but I want to put a light switch on the wall as I enter the room, Can you help ?

View more questions Search