Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - switch problem?
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paleale2
09-07-05, 09:29 AM
I recently installed a new chandelier in the kitchen. It worked out just fine initially, but now I cant seem to turn it off.When the switch is in either the on or off position, the light is always on. The only way it will go off is if the switch is placed midway between on and off. This obviously cant be correct. I didnt do anything to the actual switch itself, just the new fixture.
John Nelson
09-07-05, 10:01 AM
Is this just a normal switch (says "on" and "off" on the switch lever), or might this be a 3-way or 4-way switch (switch lever is blank)?
For an investment of less than a dollar, I'd just replace the switch. Might work, might not, but it's the first thing I'd try.
For an investment of less than a dollar, I'd just replace the switch. Might work, might not, but it's the first thing I'd try.
paleale2
09-07-05, 10:20 AM
Its a normal on off switch. Im concerned that it might not be a switch issue as its a 3 way, and they both give me the same results (ie - they only go off in the center position)
John Nelson
09-07-05, 10:23 AM
I asked an either/or question, whether it was a normal switch or a 3-way, and you seemed to say that it was both. Is this correct? Is this a 3-way switch?
Has anybody touched anything in either switch box recently?
Has anybody touched anything in either switch box recently?
paleale2
09-07-05, 11:02 AM
Sorry... I think its actually a 3 way ( 2 separate on/off switches). Again , they both produce the same always on results when in either the on or off position.
John Nelson
09-07-05, 12:31 PM
Has anybody touched anything in either switch box recently?
racraft
09-07-05, 12:46 PM
If you didn't replace either switch or in any other way mess with the wiring, then either one of the switches is bad or the wiring has become shorted somewhere along the way.
First check the wiring. if the wiring is fine then use a tester and test the setup, or simply replace the switches and try it. Eventually you may need a tester.
First check the wiring. if the wiring is fine then use a tester and test the setup, or simply replace the switches and try it. Eventually you may need a tester.
paleale2
09-07-05, 01:01 PM
No .... havent touched any of the switches
John Nelson
09-07-05, 01:17 PM
Okay, we're back where we started. Replace the switches. Might work, might not, but it's worth the experiment. Pay very, very close attention to which wire is on the common screw (usually the black screw) when you remove the wires from the old switches. Screw position (e.g., upper left) is not a reliable algorithm for moving wires.