How To Wire Light Switches with Diagrams
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Wiring Light Switches the Easy Way: Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common light switches
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Light Switch Wiring Diagrams
Electrical Question: I have a two single pole switch.
- On one side are two black screws and on the other two brass colored ones.
- I know that the black wires go to the black screws, and the white to the other.
- My question is which one is the line in and which ones are for the out lines.
This electrical wiring question came from: Brian, a Homeowner from Warren Michigan
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Brian.
Wiring Light Switches the Easy Way
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light switch circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
- Brian, there is no such thing as a two single pole switch.
- You may be referring to is a four way switch.
- The actual placement of the wiring depends on the exact wiring that you have.
- Follow the links to the wiring diagrams which will give you full information.
The Following will assist you with your electrical question:
4-Way Switch Wiring Diagrams
Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. 4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations. The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3-way switching.
For more information about 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 light switches starting with photo diagram 1.
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You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes!
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Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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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.
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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.
Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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The connection on the back of the switch is not shown on the diagram. Would you kindly show us?
Hi Simon,
The wire connections to the switches are made to the screw terminals which are located on the side of the switches, as shown in the wiring diagrams. If you are using the push in connections, the location for the wire opening corresponds with the side screw terminals as well.
I hope this helps you, Happy Wiring!
Dave