Expert: Jeff Evans - 5/4/2004

Question
Hi Jeff. I tried to replace an overhead light fixture and ran into some trouble. The fixture is operated by a switch. There are two outlets and an additional light fixture out of the same box. I have three black wires, two are together and three white wires. I can't get the light fixture to work. The outlets and the second light stay on even though the switch is in the off position. If I put the switch in the on position, the circut trips. Can you help me?  

Answer
Take the switch out of the wall and see what color wire is at the terminals.  1 will be incoming power and the other will be power to the switches.  Normally, I try and run incoming on white, then color it black, and outgoing to the fixture on black.  Yours may or may be like that.  I would leave the 2 black wires together.  The 3rd is probably either the switch return.  2 of the white wires are neutrals and the 3rd should be with the 2 blacks to feed the switch.  Good luck let me know how it goes. Jeff