replace single pole light switch

LindaM

I have a single pole light switch. The wires from the wall are one red, one white and one black. I attached that black wire to the green ground screw on the new switch. The new switch says "back wire clamps" next to the screws on the side of it. I attached the red and white wires to those screws.
I turned the electricity back on and the light came on, but would not turn off.
I pulled the switch out and saw that one of the wires was disconnected. I reconnected it and then the light would not come on. I switched the wires and the light still does not come on.

bobelectric

Wqw! Take the old switch To where you buy parts and say I need a new switch like this. Sounds like you need a 3-way.

Rochsolid

Your hot (black) wire should NEVER be hooked up to your ground (bare or green) wire. Is this light controlled by a different switch some where else? Is so you need a 3 way switch

LindaM

yes, there is another switch in the kitchen that controls the same light.
does that mean I need a 3 way switch?
Is the black wire always hot?
If the 3 wires are read, white and black, is there any way to know which is the ground wire?

joecaption

Ground wires are bare wires not colored.

Rochsolid

Black should be your "common" that will go to the black screw on your new THREE WAY SWITCH and the red and white are your travelers. But to be safe doubke check how original electrician wired up the other 3 way switch an good luck

LindaM

thanks you!
I installed a 3 way switch and it works!

Rochsolid

Good job!!