Upgrading Garage Electrical Outlets switches and Wiring

Question: When we replaced a 2 pole switch in the garage from very old wiring, the white wires are now hot.
Also the outlet boxes and lights register that they have power in them but they do not work.

This electrical question came from: Peter, a Homeowner from MN

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Peter.

Install Correct Devices When Upgrading Garage Electrical Outlets Switches and Wiring

• Double check the electrical wiring and make sure that the new switch is correct and matches the circuit rating.
• A 2 pole switch is not commonly used in home applications.
• You may be referring to a 3 way switch or a 4 way switch which has a similar appearance.
• I would recommend having the old electrical wiring replaced at your earliest convenience.

Based on your question Peter, the following specific links may be helpful to you:
Electrical Wiring

Garage Wiring

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams
3 Way Switch Diagram

Electrical Outlets

Electrical Wire for the Home

electrical outlet wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home

• Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home.
• See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

 

electrical wire

Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

garage electrical wiring

Garage Electrical Wiring

• Garage electrical wiring diagram and considerations for wiring garage circuits, complete with pictures.
• Careful planning for your garage with immediate and future equipment considerations will help you understand how to size your electrical circuit requirements.
• This information will help as an garage electrical wiring guide.

You identified your project to be about Rewiring a Home, so you might find this information useful:
Rewiring a Home

Rewiring a Home
Great ideas for home electrical rewiring that will add value to your home and bring it up to the current safety and energy efficient electrical codes.