Why won’t the light turn off despite my efforts?
Asked by Hudson Smith 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 27, 2024
What’s happening? I can’t seem to get this light to turn off.
Seems like a switch loop situation. Normally, white is hot so switch the white to line and black to load. However, you’re missing a neutral…
I attempted that before, it seems like the neutral wire is not there
Maybe you could consider connecting the neutral wire to the ground
Do you think that’s a safe option?
I would attempt to find a switch that doesn’t need a neutral wire
You know, I believe that’s my current situation, they’re so expensive without a hub. Some people recommend connecting the neutral to the ground
Yep, you can definitely do that! Just make sure your grounds and neutrals are connected in the panel. It’s not the best method, but it should do the trick.
If Angelica isn’t connected properly, the light won’t turn on.
Is missing the neutral wire at the switch, but it is back-fed from the fixture.
No way! That advice is way off.
Turned off the light switch.
Are you serious, ? White is typically the neutral, unless it’s 220 with 2 wires and a ground wire.
: I attempted to connect the main white line to the neutral, but the light wouldn’t turn on at all. Also, the white wire is copper.
Neutral is a little warm to begin with. Connect the white wires with a wire nut.
Smart switches, motion sensors, or any other advanced options require power. You should have a hot wire, a switch leg, and a neutral wire. You’ll need to connect all three wires. The wire going to your light is the switch leg (load). Connect hot to hot and neutral to neutral. If you don’t have a neutral wire, you can install one. Connecting neutral to ground, although not recommended, could work in some cases, but only if the instructions allow it. It seems like you haven’t connected the neutral wire, which is why the relay switch isn’t getting power to turn off.
Got it, I have a ground wire in there. Can I safely use it as a neutral?
It’s generally not recommended, although there are switches that permit it. Is the white wire that’s unconnected covered with a white sleeve and attached to a bare copper or green wire? If so, you can use it as a neutral. Some switches don’t allow this and require a neutral in the box. Most modern codes require a neutral in all boxes, but older homes may not have had this. Traditional switches didn’t need a neutral. Check the instructions for clarity on using a neutral or ground.
Okay, I’ll make sure to check on that when I’m back home.
When you turn the breaker back on, the smart switches usually turn the lights on. The relay needs power to operate the switch. It uses the white wire you didn’t connect to complete the circuit and function. If you’re uncomfortable connecting a neutral wire, you might be able to ground it depending on the switch. I’ve used Lutron switches that allow this. The white wire is essentially a sleeve. Take a look and let me know.
Where did you spot this supposed rule about using the ground as neutral? I think you might be mistaken.
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:1a99f09f-c052-42f5-aa09-fd0844804a21
Lutron Maestro permits it. As I mentioned, I don’t recommend it even though the instructions allow it. The current is minimal, so it doesn’t trip the breaker like a F and enables the switch to operate motion sensors, etc. I still prefer to run a neutral if one isn’t present because I prefer not to connect neutral and ground after the first point of entry, which for me is my panel.
👎🚨☠️⚡️ABSOLUTELY NOT! DANEROUS AND HORRIBLE ADVICE. NEUTRALS ARE JUST AS DANEROUS AS HOT CONDUCTORS!!!!!! The SAFETY ROUND should NEVER be used as a neutral conductor!!!!!! Current on the neutral WILL KILL YOU just as fast as current on the hot.
I don’t see how a manufacturer allowing it makes it code legal. Not saying you’re mistaken. It just doesn’t add up to me.
It’s probably not up to code. I personally wouldn’t do it, even though the Lutron Maestro Switch instructions mention it as an option when no neutral is available. I agree it’s not a good idea, so running a neutral to the box or using a switch that doesn’t need a neutral would be better. Newer homes are equipped with neutrals in switch boxes for these types of switches. Running a neutral from the light to the switch box shouldn’t be too hard. The metal box being used makes me think it might be conduit and THHN, as required in northern Illinois.
It’s strange because I’ve installed neutrals in all my other light switches, except for this one. It’s puzzling why it’s missing, especially since this light was added later to the house. The previous owner DIYed everything and the other switch in the room has the black and white wires switched.
You should probably hire an electrician for this task.
Wow that’s really helpful!
Homeowners are constantly seeking assistance for free.
You seem like a really enjoyable person to be with.
I’ll need to check your permit before you begin.
I’m giving you my pretend permit to replace my light switch.
I understand, but a little assistance can make a big difference. reater opportunities might come your way.
Can you explain how you managed to understand that?
Is that a dimmer for a 3 way setup?
Yup, I suppose so
Consider hiring an electrician
Could you clarify your interpretation of the situation?
Seems like a four-way switch with that jumper, right? It won’t ever switch off?
Correct
Opting to seek assistance rather than enlisting an electrician.
Nah, I found more helpful assistance from the women’s group. Seems like men can’t offer aid, paid or not.
😂
Leads the electricians group for women. Haha. That must be a large group.
I gotta say, they helped me identify the issue before any guys could even comment. Women are definitely more competent than men, no question.
Any reason for your sexist remarks in an ‘Electricians’ group? Care to explain?
Did you actually read the instructions?
Eorges Froidevaux most of these folks are not aspiring electricians despite being labeled as ‘beginners’
If women are truly more capable, you wouldn’t need to ask for help in this situation lol
Hey, the issue here is that the setup is pretty straightforward. If you had to look online for help, it might not be safe for you or others. Sometimes it’s best to hire a professional. But hey, keep embracing that ‘girl power’. No one is buying it though.
Appears to be expressing a personal viewpoint
If you received better assistance and it still doesn’t work…
WHY
DOESN’T
IT
WORK???
SALLY
🤔🤔🤔 😗
Lmfao. Having a section for ‘beginner’ electrical work seems risky. As a licensed electrician with over 20 years of experience, I know the importance of proper training.
Wonders why ‘beginners’ is used to refer to those aspiring to be professional electricians, instead of ‘apprenticeship’ or a similar term. Also questions why someone who doesn’t want to help doesn’t just move on to the next post without causing a fuss.
Abriel Bronson boys tend not to seek help when in need, unlike women. They struggle with effective communication and can be dramatic, self-centered, and irrational.
Asking for assistance versus needing it are two different things shrek
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’ve also received some great assistance from them. And no, they weren’t sporting suspenders to keep their pants up.
Just a heads up, this is a space free of sexism
Nope, too pricey… maybe give Craigslist or marketplace a shot instead
Hey, why don’t you take a moment to check out the About section of this group? Then maybe consider joining a different group, Mr. Know-it-all.
I wish it were different, but all the kids in this group seem to be here for job opportunities rather than helping others with basic issues, which was the original purpose. This is why some women have given up on dating. Some men can be really disappointing.
Hey, did you know there’s a women’s electrician group? I haven’t come across any yet, but I can guarantee you that women deserve fair pay for their skills and knowledge, regardless of gender. Yikes.
Could you share a link to that group? The so-called ‘experts’ in this group seem more interested in criticizing than assisting.
I’ll always remember the time I visited a local school to fix an air compressor that wasn’t working. When I took off the cover, I saw four green wires for a three-phase 208 V motor. The ground and phases were all green. I admit, I scratched my head a few times.
Make sure to cover the other wire, and we still need more information.
There is no switch leg.
You can’t just connect hot and neutral wires on the load side without a ground. Unless the white wire is being used as the feed to the lights, you’ll need another black wire connected to the lights. Make sure to tie all the white wires together.
Make sure to check the instructions. You’ll notice a smaller switch located under the main switch on the front panel that you’ll need to push over.
Nowhere in the instructions did it mention that.
Oh no! I remember facing the same issue once. lad to hear you figured it out!
Thinking of tackling electrical tasks on your own?
Classic switch setup. If there’s no neutral in the box, both the black and white wires are hot. Your switch needs a neutral to function in this scenario.
Seems like you have a 3-way switch there. You’ll need a single-pole switch
Making mistakes because you’re not hiring an electrician?
You should either run a neutral wire down or consider using a different smart switch
Just hire an electrician instead of expecting free advice
Most definitely won’t be bringing you on board Cleatus
This smart switch seems to be aware that you’re not a professional electrician and is playing tricks on you…
Looks like you have a three-way switch there, but maybe a one-way switch would be more suitable.

There is no ground wire present
There’s a ground, it’s just really really short way back there
Someone just connected it to route power down the black wire and up the white wire
You can’t make this stuff up, haha
Looks like a three-way switch. Opt for a single pole switch if not dealing with a three-way switch.
Hey , I chose it because it’s compatible with single pole, but I plan to add a 3-way switch from the top of the stairs
Did the switch come with a wiring diagram?
Use a tic tester or meter to determine which wire is hot and which is the switch leg. Then refer to the wiring diagram, as some smart switches need a neutral wire, which you may not have.
Sure thing! Make sure to grab a bond jumper for that metal box
The black wire should be inserted into the box.
I believe it needs a neutral, which unfortunately this outlet box lacks
Make sure to use a green screw to secure it and cut the exposed copper wire.
Hey , in that box there’s a green screw and two copper wires. One is short, the other is the white one in the picture
You forgot to contact an electrician
You’re correct. I reached out to a group specifically created for these types of questions and received responses from individuals practically begging to be hired in immature ways.
My experience with Zachary Brittany ifford has led to a positive outcome and significant earnings.
Hey , I just sent you a PM!
It’s a bit hard to see in the box, but it seems like you have a backup switch and a 3-way switch instead of a single pole.
Looks like you forgot to hire an electrician!
Ph Benson is considering hiring either Joe or Bob.
It might be best to hire a professional
Hey guys, to all of you who think you’re men but really aren’t
No neutral wire present. In an older house. White wire is likely the hot wire.
Are you attempting to change a switch leg?
Nope, just attempting to create a smart option for turning it off in different rooms after the children forget
Asking which line holds the power
Chose black
Placed the black on top and created a sweater for the white
I noticed the DIY jumpers. I could give that a try.
Where’s your ground wire?
Check out my Pic for the correct wiring…