Understanding a 3 pole setup

[enkeivette]

So, a dimmer switch went out in my room, replaced it and it still doesnt work. Im trying to understand whats going on but my multi-meter is just confusing the shit out of me.

The light switch before the dimmer switch has 4 terminals, a green earth ground, a black wire which shows 120v grounded, and two other wires which show 120v grounded when the switch is on (one is labeled common, but there is continuity between these other two wires).

Que? ...I have a whole new respect for electricians. Shit is confusing. Id like to understand it so I can at least bypass the dimmer switch for now and turn the light on with the other switch. And no its not a 3 way switch.

[Vettezuki]

Chuck and big2bird are both electricians.

[Chuck]

Are you here in town or in SD i can come by and fix it up for you if you want.

[enkeivette]

Back in OC now. How much?? I think Ill give up if I replace the switch again and its still not working.

[Chuck]

$1,000,000 should cover it...

No just hit me up around 1:30-2:30pm and ill see where I am that day and let you know if I can stop by.

[enkeivette]

Haha, I couldnt afford the interest on that :o Thanks man, bought a new switch, gonna verify that I am in fact just a moron first :beer:

[Damian]

The thing that sucks about household electrical wiring is that there is no industry standard for wire coloring.

[Shaolin Crane]

The thing that sucks about household electrical wiring is that there is no industry standard for wire coloring.

It is standard
http://preview.turbosquid.com/Preview/2010/12/14__06_18_42/mouth_vray_003_800x8000025.jpg322ec770-851f-4e66-8fe6-fb43cfc139b2Large.jpg