Sparks When Installing electrical/light outlet. - DIY Chatroom

mrapple999 · 11-08-2009, 12:19 AM

Hi, I took out a light switch and tried to installed an electric plug/switch. I could not get it to work right. I managed to get the light switch to turn on the light bulb, but I couldn't get the plug to work.

During my 2nd second attempt, I turned on the circuit breaker for that line after I connected the plug/switch outlet to the wires. I couldn't get the plug to work, I tried to test it with an electrical plug tester. It's one of those things you plug into the outlet. All of a sudden, there was a big spark/pop sound and the circuit breaker on that line and the other line tripped. I decided to go back with the old light switch.

My question is this; Do I need to replace the circuit breaker for that line? the light is working and I don't notice anything at the circuit breaker box. Thanks.

MrApple999

**Scuba_Dave** · 11-08-2009, 12:39 AM

How many cables are going into the switch box ?
If only 1 cable - black/white/ground then it is a switched loop & you can't connect an outlet

Your breaker is fine, it's supposed to kick off if a short/problem

Magnettica · 11-08-2009, 12:46 AM

Yup. Short circuit was created.

mrapple999 · 11-08-2009, 12:47 AM

There are three wires inside the metal box inside the wall. Ok. Thank You. I thought I was going to give it another go tommorrow. One more question, Do I need to make sure black and white wires (in the main circuit breaker panel box) are curve and not arc? Do I need to do nice and smooth curve for both white neutral and black hot wires?

mrapple999 · 11-08-2009, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

Yup. Short circuit was created.

What do I need to do now?

frenchelectrican · 11-08-2009, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrapple999

There are three wires inside the metal box inside the wall. Ok. Thank You. I thought I was going to give it another go tommorrow. One more question, Do I need to make sure black and white wires (in the main circuit breaker panel box) are curve and not arc? Do I need to do nice and smooth curve for both white neutral and black hot wires?

Ok three conductor but what colours there are in the switch box and any other conductors in the box kinda in the back of the box ?

Merci,
Marc