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FLTDI t1_j61xfe5 wrote

3 white are common, they should be connected together and not tied to the switch.

One of the stabbed wires is the load and one is the line. That's normal. The 3rd on the screw is either a continuation of the load or the line, it'll be the same as the screw it is closest to.

Your suggestion of connecting all the black together and white together and having them on one switch is a very wrong idea. Do not do that.

You need to figure out which breaker controls this switch

Figure out which wire is the the line (power supply) will be hot with the switch off.

Then figure out which line is the load.

There is a chance your switch itself is just failing and you need to replace it. But do NOT change the wiring unless you absolutely know what you're dealing with.

If you have any photos it'll be helpful

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CmdrCody84 OP t1_j62060l wrote

I tried posting pics but the post was removed

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FLTDI t1_j620f8b wrote

Link to imgur in a comment maybe?

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CmdrCody84 OP t1_j621daj wrote

https://imgur.com/a/LucPUkZ

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FLTDI t1_j621uxs wrote

Ok yep, I think I'm correct.

Leave the white alone

The bottom black are line. One is hot and the other goes to another switch. The top one goes to your load (lamp fan etc)

The switch looks older. I suggest getting a new single pole switch and wire it exactly the same. FYI some new switches won't have the insert and screw, so you would just put both wires in the bottom on the same screw (with a pig tail)

Ground (bare copper) goes back on the ground.

Make sure when you stuff it all back in the box the ground doesn't hit either of the screws. That can cause a breaker to pop.

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Pilanenp t1_j622afu wrote

Don’t put put 2 wires on the same screw. Do it right and splice a pigtail

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FLTDI t1_j623l3c wrote

Edited to add that detail. My intent was to pigtail them into one connection but my wording was poor.

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CmdrCody84 OP t1_j61xtl4 wrote

Roger that will give it a try. I spent $300 last month just to have a Big Name Electrician Company replace a lightswitch at the same property. Trying to get back in the swing of electronics

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FLTDI t1_j61y2qv wrote

If you can find a small, local electrician you'll be much better off. Those huge companies with the fancy commercials and fleet of vans have a huge overhead bill to pay.

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