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Electrical Wire and Cable

How to Wire a Single Light Switch - Diagram 2

electrical-switches Summary: Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches with photo diagram 2.
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Understanding the Basic Light Switch for Home Electrical Wiring


DIY Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a Light Switch

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The wiring diagram shows a common electric switch also known as a light switch, wall switch, toggle switch, single pole switch or 1-pole switch.

Unless the instructions state otherwise, It does not matter which screw terminal the wires get attached to because this is just a single pole switch which means that there is one line of power that flows through the switch and it does not matter which way the electricity travels through the switch.

With this type of switch the electricity comes in through one connection and flows out through the other.

If you wanted to be logically correct you could wire the switch so the power comes in the bottom and out the top as the direction of travel of the position of the switch.
Some electrical devices are wired so the power enters the top and travels downward and leaves the controlling device through the bottom connections, however it really does not matter to the electrical wiring of this type of switch as long as the electricity is getting to the light fixture or the electrical device you are controlling.

Instructions


Single Pole Switch Wiring Diagram #2


Single Pole switching provides switching from one location only. This light switch wiring diagram shows the power source starting at the switch box.

Single pole switch diagram #2
This switch wiring diagram shows the power source starting at the fixture box.
The white wire of the romex going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut.
The white wire becomes the energized switch leg, as indicated by using black or red electrical tape.


Single pole switch diagram #2 shows the power source starting at the fixture box.

singlepoleswitchdiagram2


related

Wiring Lights and Switches


I'm wiring a house. How do I wire 4 can lights in the ceiling to be on 1 single pole switch. I have installed 12-3 cable in the ceiling. Should the power source be coming from ceiling?

Mike - this section of the website has a variety of fully described wiring diagrams that will assist you.
As for the location of the power source, because you are wiring the house then that is totally up to you to decide. The power source for the light switches may be in the ceiling or at the wall switch location; you just need to plan out your wiring from there out.

More about Wiring Switches



Learn more about Wiring Switches



Home Electrical Wiring

Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire

Helping You Wire it Right

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Check out my YouTube Channel:
» AskTheElectrician «
and Subscribe!


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
  electrical wiring
 
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.



Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


Switches Parts and Accessories


Light Switch Single Pole

3 Way Light Switch

4 Way Light Switch

Switch and Outlet Combo

Dimmer Switch



More about: Single pole 2


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