Discuss Need electrician advice - Replaced light switch successfully, but no power in other areas connected to same breaker panel switch in the DIY Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

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George B

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Yesterday, I replaced a light switch (as I've done several times before). When I turned the breaker panel back on, the light was working - but now the other lights connected to that same breaker panel do not work. I re-checked all connections and reset the GFI (the outlet works) but no luck with the other lights. Volt meter confirmed that no power is running into the switchboxes of the downstream switches. Any suggestions appreciated.
 
Were the neutrals at the switch you replaced.
 
Hi - if you’ve before and after pics they would help us :) .
 
Hi - if you’ve before and after pics they would help us :) .
Here's a pic showing the replaced switch (with ground wire on top and the other 2 wires). This light is now working. It's the other downstream switches (attached to the same breaker switch) that have no power.Need electrician advice - Replaced light switch successfully, but no power in other areas connected to same breaker panel switch Replaced Switch Connections - EletriciansForums.net
 
How many ways is that switch and where does the black connected to the green ground terminal go, that could be an optical illusion on a second look.
 
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How many ways is that switch and where does the black connected to the green ground terminal go.
It's a simple "on/off" switch (is that what you mean?).
The black wire connected to the green ground terminal is connected into the wall. I just confirmed with the volt meter that there's no current in that wire.
 
How many switches are there two, switching two lights?
When you say connected into the wall what does that mean.
 
Looks like you have two switches have you only replaced one. How many neutrals in that wire nut, four?
 
Looks like you have two switches have you only replaced one.
I replaced the single light switch in the hall, which is now working.
The other double switch is located in the next room (but on the same circuit). It is the one that is not working as a result of replacing the first switch in the hall - I opened it only to examine and test voltage.
 
So the switch you are showing isn't the one you replaced, if not can you show the one you did replace.
 
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So the switch you are showing isn't the one you replaced, if not can you show the one you did replace.
This is the one that I replaced. Sorry for the confusion.
[automerge]1585249200[/automerge]
This is the one that I replaced. Sorry for the confusion.
This shows the wires connected to the switchplate.
 

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You have connected one of the hots to the green ground terminal, I assume that is coming from one of the cables. Three neutrals indicate a supply cable in, a supply cable out and a cable to the light that switch is controlling. If this is the case two of the hots need connecting together to maintain the supply to the lights which no longer function.
 
You have connected one of the hots to the green ground terminal, I assume that is coming from one of the cables. Three neutrals indicate a supply cable in, a supply cable out and a cable to the light that switch is controlling. If this is the case two of the hots need connecting together to maintain the supply to the lights which no longer function.
I tested the wire connected to the green ground terminal and it is not hot - which leads me to believe that the wire is connected properly.
The light controlled by this switch is now working. It is the other switches that have stopped working as a result of replacing this switch.
Any other suggestions?
 
It is not hot because it is supplying the other lights hence they do not work. I am almost certain it needs connecting to one of the other blacks, the correct one will make the others live, the incorrect one will make the others live when that switch is on but off when it is off.
 
It is not hot because it is supplying the other lights hence they do not work. I am almost certain it needs connecting to one of the other blacks, the correct one will make the others live, the incorrect one will make the others live when that switch is on but off when it is off.
Thank you - appreciate your input. I will try it now and keep you posted.
 
Turn the switch you have replaced off to avoid confusion.
 
No worries mate glad is sorted. Stay safe in uncertain times.
 

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