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Electrical Wire and Cable


Electrical Wiring for Light Switches


The Difference Between Commercial and Home Electrical Wiring: In this example a commercial medical building has a 277/480volt system.



Home Electrical Wiring Video

How To Hook Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
for Backup Power

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!

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

Light Switch Wiring in a Commercial Building
Electrical Question: How do I wire two separate lights and switches in one supply junction box?

These are Two Separate Rooms with Two Separate Switches

This is a Commercial Medical Plaza in Laguna.
I really appreciate your help with this, and why it is wired this way.

This electrical question came from: Chris, a Handyman from Laguna, California.

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

The Difference Between Commercial and Home Electrical Wiring

home safety tips

IMPORTANT: Here in the USA, commercial electrical wiring is not the same as home electrical wiring.

A Warning about Commercial Electrical Systems

See More about Electrical Wiring

Checklist for Hiring a Electrician
Checklist for Hiring a Electrician – 10 Tips to Make Sure Your Contractor Measures Up.

Electrician Training
Electrician Training Programs and Certification Requirements for individuals who wish to pursue a career as an electrician.

Switch wiring diagrams
wiring-diagram
Electrical Wiring Diagrams

Light Switch Wiring
Light Switch Wiring
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches starting with photo diagram 1.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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.


More articles about Light Switches and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous Next »
How To Install Three Way Dimmer Switches Electrical Troubleshooting Tripping GFCIs in Different Locations


FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

3 Responses to “Electrical Wiring for Light Switches”
  1. Steve says:

    Hi, My question is rather simple yet after reading 20 different blogs have come to think it may need more thought. I am remolding my kitchen and it’s in a home built 50 some odd years ago. After removing the walls, insulation and ceiling the wiring used is BX (AC,MC?) depending on your definition. There is no way to remove the wire because they feed different parts of the house. I don’t know what the old electricians were thinking when they ran wire, what a mess. Anyway I want to replace all that I can but how do I connect the old feeds to a source? I don’t have space for juction boxes in these locations. I was told that the ceiling cables can be boxed inside the recess light can with a new power feed? Also can I leave the old cable in say a outlet box and switch boxes along side a new feed and outlet? I hope you understand what I’m trying to say here. Many thanks, Steve

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Steve – yes, I know exactly what your describing because I have rewired several homes.
    Steve, The existing wiring will need to be identified so you understand the purpose of each cable. Once you have done this then the cables may be either dead ended or terminated, or spliced with a new power or circuit source in an existing wall switch or outlet box, or ceiling fixture box if the space of these boxes permits. I personally would not use a recessed light fixture box for a splice or junction box. Basically, if an old wire or cable cannot be removed then it should remain in an electrical box and capped off. If you install a new outlet or other box then yes, the older wiring can remain in its existing box where you may place a blank cover over it. You may also consider replacing the existing box with a deeper box which could contain both the old wiring and new wiring.
    Dave

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