weird house wiring problem

AndyR · Mar 27, 2002

Glad to hear that all is well. Now if you really want a challenge, imagine trying to decipher 3 way switch wiring with old knob & tube style wiring. Been there, done that - don't want to do it again.

Inspector507 · Mar 27, 2002

Knob and tube 3-ways are simple...........just look at the wires BEFORE you disconnect them from the old switch.

ByuBill · Mar 28, 2002

<font color=blue>Mosey</font color=blue>
I am glad that all is well with that problem now. I am not an electrician therefore I don't keep up with the code changes. After a little investigation today I found that the code was changed in 1999 and light switches do have a ground. I stand corrected. My bathroom switch is also a 'Decorator' rocker type all plastic, no ground. I would have guessed that the switch was bad as soon as you said that you got 125v from ground lug to the box. Ofcourse 'I' didn't think that there was a ground lug on a switch. Teach me to think. Since it worked in the garage, I think puzzled everyone. Still can't figure why it worked one place and not the other /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif but I guess that it doesn't matter now. Also you might want to change that battery in your meter. Sounds like it is getting a little week. Have a goodun.
Bill

AndyR · Mar 28, 2002

True - if you are starting at the switch. I was renovating the dining room in my old old-house and needed to move some of those wires.../w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif--- and had the bright idea of trying to replace them with romex while I was at it. I eventually came to my senses and left well enough alone as they were just for ceiling lights and with little disturbance should last quite a long time.

Inspector507 · Mar 28, 2002

Andy,
That would be a good one that will stump you. If you HAVE to do it, try your best to mark the wires. but knob & tube can be so frustrating for even an electrician to figure sometimes.

Old_Wanker · Mar 28, 2002

You're confusing AC and DC theory. You need a switch with a load on it - look at the switches specifically designed to handle lights and fans, they are specially designed for this. I had the same problem.