Expert: PASCACK VALLEY ELECTRIC Bob Mossman - 11/14/2004

Question
I replaced a single-pole double switch (upgraded to Decora rocker-panel) that controls 2 separate light fixtures in a bathroom.  The box also holds a GFI receptacle, on a separate circuit.  I followed the existing set-up, connecting 2 pairs to the 4 terminals (used screw mount)on the new Decora...one pair to each switch.  

The switch and the receptacle will not work.  Can you help?  No breakers off-line.

P.S.  I'm from Jersey.

Answer
DB

Always good to help out a fellow Garden Stater.

OK we have to start from scratch here. Take all 4 wires off the switch. Of the 4 wires one is the "hot" and you need to identify which one that is by whatever means you have available as far as a tester goes. See if you can borrow one. Now look at the switch. You will notice that on one side you have two screws that are close together and on the other side of the switch you have two screws that are much farther apart. OK once you identify your "hot" wire you will put it on either of the two screws that are close together. Now you have 3 wires left. Unless you know which two of the 3 wires that are left are the ones that go to the lights, you will have to do a "live" test to find out which ones they are. So one at a time just carefully touch any one  of the 3 remaining wires to the hot wire you just identified and screwed to the switch and see which wire light the lights. After you have identified the 2 wires going to the lights, you will attach them to the 2 screws on the side of the switch  that are far apart. It doesn't matter which wire goes to which screw.  Now this leaves you with one wire left which is the one that most likely feeds through to the receptacle or GFI thats not working. Attach this wire to the other screw of the two screws that are close together and you should be set. When you do your "live" testing to figure out whats what, just put on a pair of gloves as an added measure of safety for yourself. And its only necessary for you to have the power on while doing your testing. As you go along and figure out which wires are what you can turn the power off and put those wires where they belong on the switch and continue on till your finished. Let me know how you make out DB.....................

Bob