my light in mybathroom worked for 8 years since ive lived here. a week ago it turned off and will not turn on. i have lighted switches in my bathroom, one for fart fan that still works, the other for regular light. this one does not work, and at first i thaught it was the switch because the light on faceplate was not on and the fart fan switch (right next to it) was lit up. so i replaced the switch, when i flipped on the power it blew the breaker. so i thaught it was the lighting fixture. i took that off the wall and did my testing. the wall has 120 v and lights up the faceplate on the light switch. but as soon as i flip the switch it pops again. what do i test next or am i wasting my time.

john in need, December 2009

Most circuits in the UK are 230V (Euro Standard Voltage)
Most circuits in the USA are 115V

You have very probably miswired the new switch you fitted - the breaker did not trip until you made this change.

An electrician may be a sensible way to go.

Good luck...

Peccavi, December 2009

the most common reason is the switch is wired the wrong way round ie no light and breaker poping unless its low voltage which is not common as most circuits ar 240volts even in bathrooms even shaving units as an electresion i would get a qulified person in to check it out

c.mathieson, December 2009