Circuit trips with 2 light switches

sylercider

I have 2 light switches, NOT 3-ways, wired on the same line. There's no other wire coming off of the 2nd light switch. When both light switches are on, the circuit trips every time.

If I replace the 2nd light switch with an outlet, everything works fine.

Why? Can I not have 2 light switches on one line?

PS: I didn't want to go into the lengthy explanation of why I have 2 light switches on one line... it's only temporary.

Jim Port

What connections are made at the switches? At the receptacle?

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

sylercider

Uuuuh, I'm not sure what you mean. I'm using 14 gauge w/ground.

I'm trying to move the first switch, so I connected a 2nd switch to the end of the first switch's line where a wall light used to be. The first switch is still in the wall and I've never taken off the plate to look at its connection.

The 2nd switch is simply connected with the white & black wire, and then the ground. There doesn't seem to be a specific place to put the hot vs white wire on the switch, so I just put one wire per screw.

Thanks for the reply.

williswires

The wires at the wall light that you removed are a hot and a neutral. When you replaced the light with a switch, you are creating a dead short at the second switch when you turn it on, tripping the breaker as designed.

Can't do that.

(that is also why a receptacle works in that spot).

Since this is a basic electrical concept of home wiring, please get yourself a DIY Electrical Basics book at H. Depot or Lowes to learn the basics of wiring, or have an electrician do the work so you don't get hurt.

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Willis