Why aren’t the switches working and why did they trip both breakers, haha, I discovered it like this?
Asked by Hansruedi Guerin 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I was messing around with the switches and ended up tripping both breakers. Isn’t that funny? I wonder why they’re not working properly.
Trying to install a 3-way switch?
No, just people who probably shouldn’t be the ones installing switches
Was that a 3-way, 4-way, 3-way setup? I see two sets of travelers or two singles.
Mentioned two single poles on condensate pumps
Oh my
Try adding more tape, that might solve the issue.
The wires look like they are almost pinched in half.
That’s not the correct color tape, silly. That’s why.
They terminated correctly…
Black black redred
I’ve always wondered why even the most skilled electricians feel the need to tape receptacles and switches. Some even in plastic boxes. I understand your reasons, but shouldn’t you be more confident in properly securing your devices? The adhesive in tape, combined with the heat from connections, creates an ideal environment for household insects. Just skip the unnecessary tape.
I like working on metal boxes just like I learned.
Because with wiring like this, the terminals are bound to create some sparks at least 😂
I use tape because here in Baltimore, people tend to be careless and I’m tired of having to fix issues caused by drywall workers or curious homeowners touching the outlets
It provides additional insulation and covers open connectors. And before you mention that the plate covers them, consider that homeowners might later add a decorative plate. Not everyone takes the time to isolate the circuit properly. Screwdriver slips happen…⚡️… As for insects being attracted to electrical tape, who knows… I’ve upgraded receptacles with wrapped conductors and never found a bug buildup… if anything, this practice makes less knowledgeable people (like average homeowners) feel a bit safer and appreciate the added protection.
Incorrect
All the responses are spot on. But wouldn’t it be simpler to create a wide rubber band cover that protects, insulates, and looks good? Instead of consistently using tape, why not save time by making a slip cover for protection?
What do you mean incorrect? The circuit breaker tripped, so obviously there’s some arcing happening, you genius🤣🤣🤣🤦♂️
I think I’ve actually seen those somewhere before, but I can’t remember where. lol
I find taping receptacles helpful in preventing short circuits. It’s not just about securing them for me.
The only time I tape them is when I’ve already powered things up before the drywall was hung, and I’m leaving them hanging out of the box.
We have investors who would be upset if we didn’t tape. We also have people who like to tamper with our wiring and they usually don’t tape them back up, so we can tell if someone has tampered with our equipment.
Sometimes it’s a good idea to work on it while it’s hot too.
Ary Allen, the breaker tripped because someone mistakenly wired L1 to L2 with that switch.
I’m pretty sure there was some kind of surge when they turned on the switch, Tate rafton.
Ary Allen, I see your point, but it was probably contained within the switch.
Tate rafton is right, it most likely didn’t explode out of the box or anything crazy like that. It was probably contained pretty well.
I don’t tape anything, no need to.
Ary Allen is the perfect choice.
Is definitely a metal box.
I also think plastic is better, but when it comes to metal boxes, we always tape them up because even a small adjustment can cause problems without tape.
I agree, it feels like they’re keeping a secret
Do you think we can see through objects with X-ray vision or something?
Uy Harrelson I can see what’s wrong and I’m just a simple civil engineer
Oh, you mean those wires that got pinched?
Uy Harrelson two feed wires are coming in from the panel, one red and one black. Then, two load wires go out, one red and one black. The switches simply connect the panel back to itself (probably on a different phase), while the two loads are connected to each other
That could be it. Or they might be 2 dead end switches each coming from different fixtures. So, there wouldn’t be an issue at the switch. Typically, black would be hot and red would be the switchleg
Hey, there’s not enough info here. You’re just guessing and thinking you’re right, like the rest of these smart alecks
I can’t seem to find the neutral wire. Where is it?
Norman agnon, it’s running through the back of the box.
Who keeps putting tape on the devices? It’s really annoying when I have to fix your work. Plus, it serves no purpose. Amateur hour.
Maybe there is a phase to phase short? Hard to say without more information!
Agreed, yes
Said it’s only the left switch to the right? I’m guessing the right one doesn’t do much lol
The fact that there is electrical tape wrapped around the devices should’ve been a clear sign that an idiot was here last 🤣
Hey, I think both switch legs are going up and the feed is coming in from the bottom.
The panel feeds from the top, and the load goes out the bottom to the condensate pumps.
I concur
Spot on
Distributed power
That’s what’s causing the issue haha
‘t trip until you switch it on.
Once you flip the switch, power will flow back to the panel. Pretty funny, huh?
Is experiencing phase bumps.
Dead shorted 3-way switches to ground, could also be on 2 different phases. “I just changed them as I found them.”
Definitely not 3-way switches
They’re red. Are they dual pole?
If you’re unsure, just say so
Why wouldn’t you ask if you’re curious?
But you’re way off
I just took a guess from my experience in the service industry, and also heard it directly from a customer. Sometimes people do odd things when trying to spruce up their homes, and end up causing more harm than good.
‘s solo pole in red is definitely a showstopper.
Hey Jordan, what’s the point of leaving negative comments if you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face? Step it up, man. 👎🏼
You can definitely ask to learn, but it might be better to learn how to ask first. Instead of just jumping in with confidence without really knowing what’s going on.
I confidently investigate before you interrupt for your own entertainment.
Is this ‘s first year?
It’s pretty obvious that you want to prevent others from talking nonsense. Step up your game 👎
Matthew Lee eleneau I was just quickly scrolling through and chuckling at some poorly taped wiring. Some people take things too seriously and can’t poke fun at themselves.
Brendan, you seem a bit grumpy and slow in the noggin 😂
I was just curious why you’re not used to it 😂
Matthew Lee eleneau Are you not accustomed to criticism? It’s normal in this field. No worries, I’m not easily offended.
Hey, remember to use your METER!
Hey, take a closer look at .
Hey friend, is that in this picture?
I already have it, but thanks!
Hey , did you see the quotes in my comment? I’m repeating what customers have told me.
Tiffany, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved in this trade. If you’re unsure, it’s best to refrain from answering. Otherwise, you may bear responsibility for the consequences.
I think I see 2 lighting circuits in the bottom pipe that turn each other off when one is on. The 2 switch legs seem to be going up the top pipe. This is just my interpretation based on the picture.
I don’t know why some companies insist on having it set up that way.
Ugh, let’s get rid of the tape! 🙄
You have 2 feeds going into one switch, and 2 circuits on the other switch. They may not function as you expect, but they are working just as you connected them.
The black and red wires are almost pinched in two.
It’s a switch that works in three ways
That was my understanding as well, but I was informed that I was completely mistaken and should refrain from commenting if I wasn’t fully informed about the situation.
I remember because you mentioned it in the comment. Typically, this kind of job is seen as more suitable for men and not everyone is open to other perspectives.
It’s all good, in my book they can help me with the ladder because they get shaky knees being up high.
I don’t think it’s worth the effort, but I can’t really recall that well.
I felt really disappointed when I opened the box.
LOL
Simple solution
Is there not enough tape?
Oops! That was a nice phase short. Are the line phases loading from the bottom to the top?
It seems like one conduit is a 3-wire home run while the other is a double switch leg. Maybe we should put both red wires on one switch and both black wires on the other.
So, should both red wires go to one switch and the black wires to the other?
BAM
Using raintite fittings with an indoor box is a great idea
I put a piece of tape on each switch. Completely pointless and a waste of time and tape.
Duh
“What’s the difference? It all leads to the same place in the end, right?” 🤨
Hey, check it out – you can use the box as the base and the green wire as the traveler! It’s similar to how that one person utilized the box as a neutral, with white and black wires for the fan and light.
I bet I have an idea.
Seems like a short circuit when the switch is flipped.
They decided to use three-way switches instead of regular ones.
Why is the tape
Well done 😂🤣😂🤣
All I’m asking is WHY
At first, I thought they connected a ground wire to a 3-way switch. But upon closer inspection, it turns out they wired the line sides to one switch and the load sides to the other.
They appear to have been brutally stabbed.
Looks like two poles or two phases are being shorted here. The person who wired it probably assumed they were switch-legs, which is typical. This could explain why both circuits are tripping, and it’s strange for a switch leg to feed from both the top and bottom raceway. Let’s remove the tape and grab a meter to check. If you don’t have 240v from red to black, I’d recommend shutting the breakers off and checking for continuity between the circuits and between the ground and the two circuits. They might be shorted together or both shorted to ground somewhere on the way to the fixtures. Maybe check for any damaged conduit as well. Okay, now you can PayPal me 😂
Is that a three-way light switch? Just noticed in your pic. Three-way or four-way. 🤷
Seems like the wires got caught between the box and cover.
The comments never disappoint 🤣🤣
This is really scary
Haha
There are wires that have been pinched.
Figure out which wire is hot and which one is the switch leg using your meter. Once you determine which one connects to the common, the colors won’t matter.
Using tape is a solid practice.