| Author |
Message |
    
DeborahG
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1121
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 7:09 am: | 
|
This was a nice party trick for a little while, but now we really need an electrician toget it fixed. It's the kids' bathroom and they keep doing it (for fun? who knows? kids are weird). Can you recommend anyone? |
Wendyn
Citizen
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1178
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 8:21 am: |
|
No recommendation but I must say that made me laugh out loud. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7033
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 8:30 am: |
|
Deborah, it appears that someone replaced the switch and wired it incorrectly. This is assuming that you have had this problem since you moved in. We have used Stacey Electric in the past and have been happy with them.
|
jrbell
Citizen
Username: Jrbell
Post Number: 164
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 10:49 am: |
|
Could it also be a short in the light fixture? I had a similar problem with by bathroom and the whole circuit it was on... I replaced the fixture and no problems...
Replacing a light fixture is one of the easiest DIY projects around... just make sure you turn off the breaker first. |
Soda
Citizen
Username: Soda
Post Number: 2131
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 11:18 am: |
|
Another vote for Stacey Electric. |
wharfrat
Citizen
Username: Wharfrat
Post Number: 1457
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 12:01 pm: |
|
Sounds like the power lead (line) and the light (load) side of the switch are both electrified (hot). They are from the same phase of your electrical panel (too difficult to explain).
This means everytime someone turns on that light, it neutralizes/shuts off the power going to the affected parts of your house.
I also think Stacey is a good electrician. Call them, you need them. |
Jgberkeley
Citizen
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 4154
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 4:20 pm: |
|
Deb,
I do not remember it working that way last Spring. Has anyone changed any thing? New fixture, new fan? |
DeborahG
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1122
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 4:41 pm: |
|
nope! |
inkblot
Citizen
Username: Inkblot
Post Number: 5
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 4:52 pm: |
|
Turned out to be the fixture's moth-eaten wiring. Some electrical tape on a supply wire (only bare for 1/8 inch or so -- that I could see) and a new fixture has restored order. What I saw in the box, though, now has me worried about the rest of the fixtures. |
Morrisa da Silva
Citizen
Username: Mod
Post Number: 123
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 8:37 pm: |
|
Sounds like you have the old metal clad wiring in your bathroom - the metal stays good but the exposed sheathing around the bare wire breaks down over time, especially in moisture conditions. Did it crumbled in your hand as you touch it?
Your electrical tape is a short term and untrustworthy fix - another part of the sheathing will break down and cause a short.
Replace the wiring as soon as you can with moisture rated new wiring. Your fixture should also be rated for moisture conditions - as per current code. Something we found out from a neighbor who had a recent bathroom renovation.
I had the same situation, causing a GFC to blow and blacken half the second floor everytime I hit the light switch. I was a least smart enough to put the GFC in. The wiring, light box, switch box all needed replacement and recircuited. BTW having your entire second floor on one circuit is also not good. |
DeborahG
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1123
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 11:16 pm: |
|
Turned out to be the (65 year-old) light fixture that was causing the problem. Mr. G stepped up to the plate and replaced it, and the new fixture works fine. Definitely we need to replace the wiring at some point...although the electric was upgraded not long before we moved it, we aren't sure what was done in individual rooms. |
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 4751
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 11:19 pm: |
|
Now our 2nd floor lights are going off when you turn your bathroom light on. |
DeborahG
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1126
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 2:31 pm: |
|
Sooner you then me!  |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page