Help identify wires - Need help with a light switch install

[zaxxon]

Hi,

I want to install a smart light switch and when I took the cover off my existing light switch I was very confused by what I saw.

New lights switch that I want to install:

here is my existing lights switch. I see the white neutral wires in the back (not in use) but what do I do with the red wire and black wires?


there are no other lights in the room but my sump pump is in the same room.

I tried wiring the following:
white: white
black:black
black:black

the result was the lights wouldn't turn on but for some reason, I could turn my sump pump on or off from the light switch.

i appreciate any guidance with this so I don't have to hire an electrician.

thank you

 

[westward10]

Can you show a good picture of the back of the existing switch to show the connection of both blacks.

 

[zaxxon]

Can you show a good picture of the back of the existing switch to show the connection of both blacks.

 

[westward10]

White from new switch to whites at wall.
Both blacks from wall to one of the blacks at the new switch.
Red from wall to other black of new switch.
Green from new switch to bare ground at wall.

It is not important which way around the blacks at the new switch are used.
Assuming you haven't damaged the switch by your other connections that should be it.