Why doesn't my switch work?

mikenkat1 · 12-01-2012, 10:10 AM

I am installing a new service for a kitchen light, and have made all of the proper connections yielding power, but the switch doesn't work. I do not have the ground hooked to the switch box, would this effect the switch?

jbfan · 12-01-2012, 10:17 AM

No, and without more details we can only guess what is wrong.
Pics, or wiring diagrams will help tell the story.

joecaption · 12-01-2012, 10:19 AM

Going to have to let us in on how you wired it and what type light you have.

Jim Port · 12-01-2012, 10:23 AM

If the box is metallic the ground should be connected to it and the switch. If the box is plastic you need to connect it to the switch.

mikenkat1 · 12-01-2012, 10:49 AM

Ok I know that it is the proper thing to do to have the ground hooked up, but I didn't think it would effect the switch operation if it wasn't.

k_buz · 12-01-2012, 10:59 AM

With the information given, there is no way to help you.

J. V. · 12-01-2012, 11:22 AM

New service?

joed · 12-01-2012, 01:12 PM

The ground not being connected will not affect the operation of the switch. If you hooked it up correctly it would be working so I think you made a mistake. Tell us how you ran the cables and hooked them up. Then we can tell you where you went wrong.

12-01-2012, 10:10 AM	#1
mikenkat1 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2	Why doesn't my switch work? I am installing a new service for a kitchen light, and have made all of the proper connections yielding power, but the switch doesn't work. I do not have the ground hooked to the switch box, would this effect the switch?

12-01-2012, 10:17 AM	#2
jbfan Electrical Contractor Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 5,076	Why doesn't my switch work? No, and without more details we can only guess what is wrong. Pics, or wiring diagrams will help tell the story. __________________ Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

12-01-2012, 10:19 AM	#3
joecaption Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,799	Why doesn't my switch work? Going to have to let us in on how you wired it and what type light you have.

12-01-2012, 10:23 AM	#4
Jim Port Licensed electrician Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,086	Why doesn't my switch work? If the box is metallic the ground should be connected to it and the switch. If the box is plastic you need to connect it to the switch. __________________ Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

12-01-2012, 10:49 AM	#5
mikenkat1 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2	Why doesn't my switch work? Ok I know that it is the proper thing to do to have the ground hooked up, but I didn't think it would effect the switch operation if it wasn't.

Why doesn't my switch work?