I am having a problem with the wiring in my basement. What I am doing: I wired a new outlet box off of an old outlet box. From the new outlet box, I then wired a switch for a new light fixture. So the wiring goes; fuse box, outlet box, outlet box, switch, light. Well, I blew the fuse once I turned the new light on. (BTW, I had a buddy stop at lowes to pick me up a switch and he returned with a 3-way switch). I only need it to operate as a 2-way which I have figured out how to do from the internet. My question is, while testing the outlet boxes and switch after I blew the fuse, I found the I have continuity between the common and hot wire. Mind you the fuse has been removed. So how can I have continuity between the common and hot wires? Thank you.
With respect, you have mis-wired somewhere. Old Outlet Box is A New Outlet Box is B Switch Box is C Light is D A (hot)--------------------------- B (hot) ------------------------------------ C / --------------- D (hot) A (neutral/common)-------- B (neutral) ---------------------------------------- D (neutral) A (ground) -------------------- B (ground)------------------------------ C (ground)------- D (ground) As to a 3-way switch, in the switch box, the hot goes to the copper-colored screw, the leg to the light goes to either of the brass-colored screws. The neutral goes straight through the switch-box. Only the HOT gets switched. The ground is connected to all three new devices but is continuous. If this is not crystal-clear, call an electrician.
