[hammerdawg]

I replaced a switch that I thought was bad. When I turned power back on and fliked the new switch it sparked but did not trip the breaker. I then checked the old switch because I was at wits end. It check out OK as did the new switch after the direct short issue. I did the check with a continuity meter. Any help appreciated.

 

[joed]

The switch was installed in the box with one of the screws touching the side.
or
The ground wire was touching the one of the screws.
or
There is a bare spot on one of the wires that was touching the box.
or

 

[sirsparksalot]

pictures? how many wires in the switch box, and what condition are they in; older wiring or newer? Did you do more than simply disconnecting two switch leads on the old, and reconnecting on the new switch?

 

[SD515]

or
the line in and neutral are hooked to the switch
or
there is a short in the wiring leaving the switch box
or
the load the switch is controlling has a short
or
the wiring at the load has a short
or