Combo switch outlet issues

pctekk

New member
Jul 21, 2024
4
Florida
So I added a combo switch outlet where my pool light switch is located. It didn’t have a neutral wire so I ran a neutral wire to the breaker panel and hook that up to the neutral bus bar and then to the outlet as seen in the pictures so it appears everything has power the light switch works. The pool light comes on but as soon as I plug something into the outlet the breaker trips I’ve checked everything two or three times any ideas? Red is hot, yellow is load to pool lightIMG_6451.jpegIMG_6453.jpegIMG_6452.jpeg
 
Welcome to TFP!

Your GFCI breaker is only seeing the current in the neutral going to the pool light, so it sees a mismatch in hot and neutral current and trips.

If you can feed your outlet neutral from the pool light junction box, that would work. I doubt the GFCI breaker is rated to have two wires connected to its neutral terminal.
 
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Move the white wire you connected to the neutral bus bar to the neutral screw on the GFCI CB.
 
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Should I use wire nut the two whites together and run a ? pigtail to breaker
What two wires?
The white wire on the breaker is a pigtail that is supposed to connect to the neutral bar. Is that gray wire connected to the neutral post on the breaker ?
The white wire on the breaker connects to the neutral bar.

All neutrals back to that circuit connect to the neutral lug on the breaker. Not to the pigtail or to the neutral bar.
 
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Should I use wire nut the two whites together and run a ? pigtail to breaker

Yes, unless you can find documentation that the breaker is rated for two wires. I know some Square D breakers are, but I’ve never come across CH breakers that allow two. Usually, if the screw physically touches the wire, it’s limited to one wire. If there is a flat piece that the screw tightens, or if there is a torque value on the breaker for a two wire connection, it’s okay for two wires.

Somebody may tell you wire nuts aren’t allowed in panels. There is no such prohibition.
 
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Glad we could help you figure it out.

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