How to Wire Switches and Light Switches

Summary:
Electrician Answers Questions about How to Wire Light Switches and Special Purpose Electrical Switches.

3 way switch traveler

Question: I need to convert a single pole switch to a 3 way switch. I do not have access to add a 4th wire.

3way switch review

Hi Dave, I really like your website as it is very informative and user friendly. I did a search on 3-way switch wiring and yours was the first to come up.

4 way switch wiring

Question: Is there a difference between a 4 way and a 4 pole switch? My hall lights have a 4 way or 4 pole at the bottom of stairs two black and two white wires in the box plus ground.

Ceiling fan with outlet and switch

Question: I have an outlet that is controlled by a wall switch. i want to add a ceiling fan in between the switch and the outlet, keeping the outlet controlled by the switch and the ceiling fan always on to be controlled by its pull chains.

Commercial grade dimmer switch

Question: Trying to find a component to a commercial grade dimming system in my church, but can't find the manufacturer of the system online.

How to wire around a switch

Question: My roommate keeps shutting off our security lights for the outside door. I'm curious if there's a way I can disable the switch while leaving the light turned on.

Pump switch

Question: Wiring wall switch for 220 Volt pump I would like to wire in a switch to shut the pump circuit off without having to flip the breaker.

Sparking light switch tripped breaker

Question: Hi, I have a problem with my light switch. it sparked a every time I switch it on and off.

Switched plug wiring diagram

Question: replacing a split plug for floor lamp Could you please e-mail a diagram for a split plug my husband wired it originally and is trying to replace the plug but cannot seem to get the wires hooked back up for the plug to work.

Whole house fan switch

Question: I have a WHOLE HOUSE attic fan. This is NOT to be confused with fan which solely ventilates the attic (I have one of those too, but it is off topic.

Wiring 3 way rocker switch

Question: I HAVE WIRED MY THREE WAY SWITCH THE WAY YOU HAVE SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAM FOR THREE WAY SWITCHES.

Wiring 3 way switch

Question: I had an electrician rough wire the lighting circuits in a basement finish. I am installing the switches and receptacles.

Electrical Video

Daves Companion Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Here is How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handywomen, 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.