What happens if i wire a lightswitch wrongly?

Question

What happens if i wire a lightswitch wrongly?

Answer 1

Usually the wire to a single way switch is "live" feed. You are well advised to obtain the benifit of a qualli-fide trician, because if the switch is on a mains supply, not in your car, then 240 volts needs switching off first,  12 volts is sparky if you get it wrong. Worth knowing--- its not usual to feel a "shock" from less than 60 v the human skin dry is a fair insulator avoiding skin damage.   Be warned-- dont mess with your house wireing, you could invalidate your insurance too. I dont mean your funeral expenses cover,   knibbo.

Answer 2

So long as you don't connect either a neutral or an earth directly to 'live', then more inconvenience than danger.

The possible effects are:

Light won't turn on.

Light won't turn off.

2-way switching is now incorrect.

Lights further down the circuit will only light when that first light is 'on'.

Answer 3

At best: nothing, at worst: a short circuit, sparks,

breaker trips, (hopefully before damage is done).

If you really s***w it up, you can create a dangerous situation.

Answer 4

From a lot of the answers you have received so far, it sounds like you could get arrested by the electric police.

If wired incorrectly, it could still work, but become a fire hazard, trip a breaker, or not work at all.  Pay attention to the first option - fire hazard.

Answer 5

You will find out the hard way..

It will prove you are not so "bright"........lol

Answer 6

You die.

just kidding/

the light wont turn on.

and you could blow the fuse depending on how "wrongly" you wire it,

you could possibly get shocked

you would have to un wire it and start over.

thats about it.

Answer 7

You blow the fuse.

Answer 8

If you are replacing a light switch, it's hard to do it wrong since you just wire it up the way the old one came out.

Answer 9

If there is just two wires to connect to two terminals, no effect whatsoever.

Because the switch would simply connect those two wires whichever terminals they were connected.to.

Answer 10

Depends on the type of switch. Most switches have only 2 wires, and it doesn't mater how you wire it. If the switch has a ground, and you wire the ground to the hot you will trip a breaker.

Answer 11

Fireworks.

Answer 12

the light don't work and blow a fuse or breaker or you get shocked