1 Gang 1 Way Switch Problem

[jlperry]

Hi all, I have installed a new fluorescent light. I sourced the power from a lighting circuit. I connected it into a junction box along with the new cable for the fluorescent. The new cable went into a 1 gang 1 way switch and then to the light. The fluorescent light came on ok, but when I switch the switch off it tripped the power. Does anyone know why this happened and what I can do to fix it please?  

 

[Andy™]

let me guess, in the switch you put both brown in 1 side and both blue in the other?

 

[Evans Electric]

+1 

Take the blues out of the switch ,put together in a connector, put a brown in each end of the switch . 

Just to check ....how many terminals in your switch, 2 or 3 and did you connect any blues to it ?

 

[ProDave]

+2

If you don't actually understand basic electrical circuits, get an electrician to wire it properly.  Don't guess.  A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

 

[OnOff]

Or...............even better take a PICTURE of what you have and post it up for advice!

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Hi all, I have installed a new fluorescent light. I sourced the power from a lighting circuit. I connected it into a junction box along with the new cable for the fluorescent. The new cable went into a 1 gang 1 way switch and then to the light. The fluorescent light came on ok, but when I switch the switch off it tripped the power. Does anyone know why this happened and what I can do to fix it please?  

As others have said it sounds as though you have wired the light and the switch in parallel with the supply..

When they should have been wired  in series with each other!

You may have damaged the switch contacts beyond further use by shorting out the supply!

Also as has been said electricity is dangerous it can kill a healthy adult in less than a second.. 

so if you are struggling with the concepts mentioned it would be best to seek assistance by getting someone in...

they could show you where you went wrong so you can learn for next time.

 

[ProDave]

My big concern, is that if you don't understand the basic principles of wiring a simple circuit so that it operates correctly, then it is highly likely you don't understand the need for proper earthing and how to connect that, and you don't understand the need for proper circuit protection and how to work that out.

 

[batty]

Are you sure Dave he knows how to make a circuit breaker trip hopefully loop is not to high that it won't reset though.