How to Wire Light Switches From an Outlet
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How can I install two switches that will be operating two separate sets of light fixtures? How to Wire Light Fixtures from Switches and Outlets, Example of Installing Wiring for Light Fixtures and Switches. |
Guide for Wiring Switches and Outlets
Electrical Question: How can I install two switches that will be operating two separate sets of light fixtures?
- I need to wire two switches that will control two separate sets of light fixtures.
- The switches would be getting the power from a near by outlet.
- The power source will go to the switch box first, then to the light fixtures.
- I need a wiring diagram for switches and light fixtures.
This electrical question came from: Eric, a Handyman from Chatham, New Jersey.
See more about Home Wiring for New Jersey
Additional Comments: Love the web site. It helped with wiring some outlets. Very good diagrams, Thanks.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Eric.
How to Wire Light Fixtures from Switches and Outlets
Application: Wiring a Light Switch from a Wall Outlet.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical work is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Specific to the scope of the work and the condition of the home and project. Electricians Tools, including Pouch of Hand Tools, Power Tools, Drill motor and Auger Drill Bits and Extension Cords, and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical wiring.
Precaution: Identify the circuit power source at the panel, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before installing wiring or working or making connections.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done through the local building authority, according to applicable local and national electrical codes, with a permit, and have required inspections.
Example of Installing Wiring for Light Fixtures and Switches
- Wiring Light Switches from an Outlet
With this wiring project, the outlet will provide the power source for the light fixtures which are controlled by the light switch, so the wire from the outlet leads to the switch location and then to the light fixture. - Switch Box Wiring
At the switch box the white neutral wires are spliced together, and the ground wires are spliced and a pigtail wire is added and attached to the green ground screw on the light switch frame. The incoming power from the outlet is attached to one of the light switch screw terminals and the black wire of the cable leading to the light fixture is attached to the other light switch screw terminal. Connections to the outlet are basically color to color for the blacks, whites and green or bare ground wires.
- Wiring for Additional Light Switches to Control Separate Light Fixtures
The process for wiring one or more switches to control separate light fixtures is basically the same except that the incoming power is spliced with pigtails that will provide the power source to the additional light switches. The wiring leading to the light fixture is the same for one or more light switch and light fixture combination.
- Light Switch and Light Fixture Wiring Diagrams
This process is shown in the wiring diagrams which are found when using the links below that lead to the wiring diagrams section of the website.
More about Home Electrical Wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
Electrical Wiring Diagrams
Home electrical wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects. An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home or home improvement project.
Home Electrical Junction Boxes
Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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. |
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Have a light switch that I am hooking up new recessed lights to. There is a 14/2 and 14/3 wire in the box. Only one hot wire 120v is present. I hooked the hot wire, neutral wire, and ground all from the 14/2 wire to the recessed light yet the light doesn’t work. I tested the hot wire with my voltage tester and the 120v light on the tester came on. Any ideas on why the light doesn’t work?
Hi Jamie,
If the switch at this described location is a 3-way then the white wire is most likely a switch leg and not a neutral. Keep in mind that the power source must have both a hot and neutral, and a white wire in a switch box is not always a neutral wire. The circuit wires will need to be tested and verified to understand the power source and switching configuration. It may help you to review the switch wiring diagrams that I have provided links to in the main article.
I hope this helps,
Dave