Have gone through other threads to troubleshoot to no avail.
WORK DONE / SCENARIO
– Relocated ceiling box to hang new chandelier.
– Used existing wires that were long enough for move.
– Brand new electrical switch.
– 2 black / 2white in switch box, 1 white / 1 black in light box.
PROBLEM
– Accidentally connected hot wire to neutral wire at chandelier. Unfortunately the clear speaker wire type wiring threw me off.
– When I flipped the dimmer switch for first time, it sparked.
– Replaced dimmer with simple toggle, one-way switch.
– I now hear a slight hum at switch while light turns on for split second and it shuts off due to tripped breaker.
TROUBLESHOOTING DONE
– Tested with and without lights. Circuit trips on both.
– Turned off other lights on circuit. Circuit trips on both.
– Disconnected light fixture, circuit does not trip, and hot wire has current.
– And lastly, swapped light fixture for same (had ordered two identical chandeliers) and the same problem occurs.
CLOSING COMMENTS
I was totally thinking I had screwed up the light with the short, but second chandelier has same problem. And if the breaker tripped with the light disconnected, I would go down the route that there was a problem with wiring or ground, etc., but it holds.
I am stumped. Appreciate any thoughts and ideas!
Best Answer
The comments pretty much answer it, but the important take away here is that the wire should possibly be replaced. I was a little thrown by the "speaker wire" comment but I presume you are referring to the light.
Get an electrician in there with a MEGGER to test the wiring. They will determine if it is compromised in areas unseen, and recommend replacing the run if needed.
Be safe! Get the megger. Chances are it melted where you found it, but it could be bad elsewhere, that you haven't found it.