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How to Wire More than One Light Switch


How to Wire a Light Switch | How do I connect the switch wires for one light and connect all white the neutral lines?

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How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
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Wiring Light Switches

Electrical Question: How do I connect the switch wires for one light and still collect all white the neutral lines?

Wiring for Light Switches

Owen asks:

The house is pre 1965 and I have a hot that comes in to a 4 gang box and feeds a light in a dining room. so a black and white in and black and white out to the light.

I am adding cans to the adjacent room and want to use that hot coming in but can?t figure out the neutral wires.

Currently the switch that is for dining light has power at bottom of switch and the white is supposed to go to light.

Here is the problem, the 2 new lines I sent out to the cans and a fireplace spot light are on dimmers and since they share the power in from dining room, how do I connect the switch for dining light and still collect all white (neutral) lines?
When I turn on the light now I have zero power to the cans and when I turn off the light I have power to cans?

My load line (white) that exits the switch for the dining light is home installed with all white wires in box.

I am making a simple mistake but can not walk myself out of the scenario.

The pic attached shows the box before switches, right side is kitchen light that grabs power from 1 line to its left. The lines to the left are cans and spot.

Thanks for your time.

This electrical wiring question came from Owen in Novato, California.

Dave’s Reply:

Thanks for your electrical wiring question Owen.

Wiring Light Switches

Application: Run More Wiring for Light Switches.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Dimmer Switch, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Dimmer Switch should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific area of California. A permit and inspections may also be required.

Run More Wiring a Dimmer Switch in a Kitchen

This electrical wiring project is about Wiring Switches in the Kitchen of a Old Home.

Dave’s Reply:
Let’s make a few observations:
We see that it appears that we have all of the wiring that we need.

Corrections Needed:
I do see that the wire are not stapled within 12 inches of the box.
This can be easily corrected by securing the wires to the wood studs.
light switch electrical wiring

Light Switch Wiring

See More about Run More Wiring a Dimmer Switch

How to Wire a Switch
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Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Wiring a Dimmer Switch
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3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram

Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire
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Electrical Wire for the Home

Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

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This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

Electrical Boxes for Electric Repairs and Home Wiring Projects
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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.

How to Install Kitchen Electrical Wiring
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Kitchen Electrical Wiring

Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Kitchen Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

The following Video will Describe How to Install Recessed Lights:
Flush Recessed Lighting Video
This electrical video shows the basics of installing Flush Lights and Recessed Lighting presented by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

The following will provide detailed information about installing Recessed Lighting:
Installing Recessed Light Fixtures
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How To Install Recessed Lighting

Installing recessed lighting for your home electrical improvements. Discover how recessed lighting can enhance the mood of any room in your home.

Home Electrical Wiring Projects
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Home Wiring Projects

Installing electrical wiring projects for safety and home improvements.

See more about Home Wiring for California


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.


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