Problem replacing light switch

Chez · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:35 pm Post Subject: Problem replacing light switch

Hi, hope someone can help. I have just tried to replace a 1 way switch with a 2 way dimmer switch despite there only being 1 switch assigned to the light (hope that makes sense). I connected the cables up (black to \\\"C\\\" & red to \\\"L1\\\") and left the switch hanging. I switched the mains back on and tested it and it worked perfectly. I then switched off at the mains again and screwed the face plate back into position. I then switched the mains back on, this time though when I turned the switch on there was a pop. What I want to know is why would it work fine before I replaced the face plate and what kind of damage could I have done. All other lights in the house are still working.

Hope somebody can help!!

ColJack · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:39 pm Post Subject:

you've trapped a cable when putting the faceplate on, or one has come out of a screw terminal because you didn't tighten it correctly..

possibly the switch wire since the other lights still work so you havent blown the fuse but may well have knackered the dimmer...

davy_owen_88 · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:39 pm Post Subject:

Where did the pop come from? CU, dimmer or the light fitting?

Did the fuse/MCB/RCD blow?

A likely cause is that you trapped a cable between the fixing lugs on the backbox and the socket front - this may have damaged the insulation and caused a short.

Chez · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:46 pm Post Subject:

Cheers Guys,

The pop, as far as I can tell came from behind the face plate. If what you say is correct and I'm sure it is I assume buying a new switch will sort out the problem, obviously this time watching how I screw the face plate back into position.

Thanks again.

ColJack · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:46 pm Post Subject:

pop was at the switch from what i read ( turned the switch on ) and the breaker didn't blow since the rest of the lights still work..

sparkydude · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 8:26 am Post Subject:

you have trapped a cable and pinched the insulation to earth, if it worked before you screwed it back then you have either blown the cable apart with the short circuit fault or you have blown the dimmer up. Look behind the switch (with the power off) and you will see the explosion probably.

Nick