[cheri28]

My husband is wiring a GFI and separate light switch into the bathroom. The GFI also controls an outlet across the room – these components are working. He capped all of the whites together and we had 120v’s to both the main light (which we tested and it turned on) and the light over the vanity (which we tested with power meter). However, with the whites all capped together the lights could not be turned off. He tried a few different ways, but can’t seem to wire it so that the GFI and outlet will stay on and the lights will turn on and off. Do you have any suggestions or diagrams that you can share to how to wire the light switch properly so it will turn on and off?

Updated questions:
The GFCI is independently wired to the source. All's well with the GFCI and bridged outlet...power to both. Do the neutral wires for both light fixtures need to be connected to the source neutral? The source load wire is split with one leg to the GFCI and one to the switch. The light fixture loads are bridged to a common single wire hooked to the top screw of the switch with the source load connected to the bottom screw. The two fixture neutrals are wire-nutted to each other. Why are the lights constantly on, regardless of the switch's position?

 

[TarheelTerp]

However, with the whites all capped together...

Where does the power for the GFI come from?
Was a receptacle there before? The light fixture?

 

[cheri28]

The power comes straight from a 120. The GFI was there before as well as the light switch - so we know it works (or did). The outlets and switch were taken out when the bathroom was taken apart for a remodel. We just can't get it back in working order. :cursing:

Attached is a picture of how it is hooked up now (the lights do not work with it hooked up like this)

 

[curiousB]

The power comes straight from a 120. The GFI was there before as well as the light switch - so we know it works (or did). The outlets and switch were taken out when the bathroom was taken apart for a remodel. We just can't get it back in working order. :cursing:

Attached is a picture of how it is hooked up now (the lights do not work with it hooked up like this)

Where is the neutral at the bulbs connected to? You don't show it tied to the neutral of the source.

 

[TarheelTerp]

The GFI was there before as well as the light switch

Identify the (14/2) cable that serves the light fixture.
Put *those* two wires (Blk & Wht) onto the switch.

Identify the always hot feed cable.
Put *those* two wires to the LINE side of the GFI.

Identify the remaining feed cable to the OTHER outlet.
Put *those* two wires to the LOAD side of the GFI.

 

[cheri28]

Where is the neutral at the bulbs connected to? You don't show it tied to the neutral of the source.

The neutral may be capped. Hmm...

 

[cheri28]

Identify the (14/2) cable that serves the light fixture.
Put *those* two wires (Blk & Wht) onto the switch.

Identify the always hot feed cable.
Put *those* two wires to the LINE side of the GFI.

Identify the remaining feed cable to the OTHER outlet.
Put *those* two wires to the LOAD side of the GFI.

Thank you for this. I'll pass this along to him. Just out of curiousity - how do we identify which is which?

Edit: The light switch turns on both the vanity light AND the main light - would the process still be the same as what you've written above?

 

[Gac66610]

First, do not put two wires under one screw!

Does the switch turn anything on?
One of the two wires under the screw may be a hot wire the other may be for a light.
Take the two wires off the switch restore power see if lights are still on

 

[cheri28]

First, do not put two wires under one screw!

Does the switch turn anything on?
One of the two wires under the screw may be a hot wire the other may be for a light.
Take the two wires off the switch restore power see if lights are still on

Oh, ok. Why can't two wires go under one screw?

There are two lights that are controlled by this one switch - where do the other wires go for either one of the lights?

 

[Gac66610]

Did he install the 2 gang remodel box?
Looks like a real good install.

A little advise, you might want to take the 'ears' off the switch and receptacle, will look better once it is screwed in to the box.

 

[Gac66610]

The screws are rated for only one wire, installing two could cause it be become loose.
Loose = weak connection, weak connection = heat, heat ... well you can see where that might lead.

 

[cheri28]

The screws are rated for only one wire, installing two could cause it be become loose.
Loose = weak connection, weak connection = heat, heat ... well you can see where that might lead.

Yikes! No - we don't want that, that's for sure!