[duffysmom]

I just replaced a rocker switch in bathroom (using YouTube) and now the two outlets in that room as well as the guest bath do not work; the rocker switch does work.
What am I doing wrong.....
Thanks

[Fredman]

Probably tripped the gfi

[duffysmom]

Originally Posted by Fredman

Probably tripped the gfi

OK how do I get them back from their trip:, I’ve pressed the reset button in the bath outlets but nothing happens. I see the electric panel in the garage has a tab on it that says “TEST” next to the bath switch but when I turned it off and then on the outlets still didn’t work. Help!!

[retiredguy123]

To reset a tripped circuit breaker in the garage panel, you need to push it in 2 directions, all the way to the off position, and then all the way to the on position. Also, make sure the reset buttons on the bath outlets are pushed all the way in. Good luck.

[South2C]

Why did you replace the rocker switch in the first place? Assuming it was a light switch I would think there is a GFI at fault. Did you check the power at the rocker switch? Are your bathrooms located next to each other? Is your kitchen close? check all GFI in the house including the garage.

[village dreamer]

and outside gfi

[Chatbrat]

If there were a bunch of neutrals in the same box as the switch box they might have loosened-but the most likely cause is a trip GFI, which should not have happened if the power was off when you changed the switch--make sure there is nothing plugged into any outlet

exercise the circuit breaker-force it all the way off, it should cock , then push it to the on position--then check the GFI's for a green light if no light put the reset buttons

[duffysmom]

In the garage I turned the switch off and then off but still nothing happened to the two outets in the bath rooms.

The other outlets are all working and will reset but the two bathrooms which are back to back do not work.

The rocker switch was replaced because the existing rocker was broken and did not work. It works now.

I may have to call an electrician and bite the bullet. I hate when they show up throw a switch and all is well except for my wallet.

I’m not familiar with an outside gfi. But then again all other outlets are working.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[duffysmom]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

If there were a bunch of neutrals in the same box as the switch box they might have loosened-but the most likely cause is a trip GFI, which should not have happened if the power was off when you changed the switch--make sure there is nothing plugged into any outlet

exercise the circuit breaker-force it all the way off, it should cock , then push it to the on position--then check the GFI's for a green light if no light put the reset buttons

Should I turn off the main circuit breaker or just the baths?

[Henryk]

I was surprised to find another GFI in my garage. You may have two, too.

I don’t think turning off the main will help.

[rjm1cc]

In my house the GIF switch in one bathroom controls the outlets in all my bathrooms. I also had two GIF's in the garage. I would check each outlet looking for the GIF button as a last resort.

If that does not work I would turn the circuit breaker off and reinstall the light switch. My guess is a wire is touching something it should not and the GIF switch senses it. The switch may look like it is ok so even if it looks ok I would reset it.


I think my electrical skills are the same as yours and I actually called an electrician who turn the GIF on.

[Chatbrat]

NEVER ever turn of the main, unless the house is on fire, turn off individual breakers only

[l2ridehd]

1. First check all GFI outlets and breakers. On GFI outlets push the test button and then the reset button. Should trip when test is pushed and reset pushes hard and clicks when correct. If nothing happens when you push test, then no power is getting to that GFI outlet. Look for another someplace else. They will string 6 or 7 of these together so they can be in different rooms. But all outlets in the bathrooms and kitchen should be GFI.

2. Check the power distribution panel usually in the garage for a tripped GFI breaker. They are usually yellow or small yellow around breaker. As stated above you have to push them off before moving them to on. A good way to check them is to wiggle the breaker between two fingers. If it feels loose it is tripped. If solid it is OK.

3. Next I would go through the replaced switch and make sure it was done correctly. Was this a single or a 3 way switch? In other words is there more then one location for the switch? Did it have three wires (red, black, and white, red and black on switch) or (just two black) attached to the switch?

If none of this works, PM me and I will come and fix it for you.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Originally Posted by duffysmom

I just replaced a rocker switch in bathroom (using YouTube) and now the two outlets in that room as well as the guest bath do not work; the rocker switch does work.
What am I doing wrong.....
Thanks

Errr....messing with something that you don't understand and which will gladly kill you.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Rapscallion St Croix

Errr....messing with something that you don't understand and which will gladly kill you.

Agreed. No offense, but OP, please call an electrician, and let this be a lesson.