Hello, I'm new here, so hope I do this right... I'm homeowner, recently bought home (built 2003). I've had two different local elect contractors come out with no resolution - although neither went into attic to trace wiring, only used tools/meters at the lights and switches. At their rates I'm not inclined to pay for a 3rd service call... I'll do my best to describe the issue here.
Lights/switches involved:
> Single ceiling Dining Room light with three separate switches - one of the three is a dimmer switch.
> Single Bathroom vanity light with one switch. (there is a 2nd switch in the gang that controls the exh fan, but that one does not seem to be involved in the issue).
Mystery:
> If the dining room light is on 'first,' the bathroom switch will not turn on the vanity light? (the switch for the exh fan still works fine)
> If the vanity light is on 'first,' it has no effect on the dining room light/switches - all three switches will still turn on the dining room light independently, and the bathroom light will remain on until switched off. In this scenario - both lights on - if the bathroom light is switched off and the dining room light is still on, then the bathroom switch will not turn the vanity light back on?
Although I have done many electrical tasks over the years with no issues (repair, replace, add breakers with new loads, etc.), this seems to be one I can't sort out in my mind. At 74, I'm not inclined to climb around in the attic anymore and simply run a new/separate line - I'd rather an existing issue be corrected than just capped or hidden.
Any pro knowledge, including what to look for IF I DO have to get into the attic, will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Lights/switches involved:
> Single ceiling Dining Room light with three separate switches - one of the three is a dimmer switch.
> Single Bathroom vanity light with one switch. (there is a 2nd switch in the gang that controls the exh fan, but that one does not seem to be involved in the issue).
Mystery:
> If the dining room light is on 'first,' the bathroom switch will not turn on the vanity light? (the switch for the exh fan still works fine)
> If the vanity light is on 'first,' it has no effect on the dining room light/switches - all three switches will still turn on the dining room light independently, and the bathroom light will remain on until switched off. In this scenario - both lights on - if the bathroom light is switched off and the dining room light is still on, then the bathroom switch will not turn the vanity light back on?
Although I have done many electrical tasks over the years with no issues (repair, replace, add breakers with new loads, etc.), this seems to be one I can't sort out in my mind. At 74, I'm not inclined to climb around in the attic anymore and simply run a new/separate line - I'd rather an existing issue be corrected than just capped or hidden.
Any pro knowledge, including what to look for IF I DO have to get into the attic, will be greatly appreciated. Thanks