Light Switch Wire Connections

How To Wire Single Light Switches – When wiring a single pole light switch that only has two screw terminals or two plug-in connections on the back and the terminal for the ground wire.

Wiring a Single Pole Light Switch
Question: I have single pole switch that turns on a fluorescent garage fixture.

The hardware store switch does not have color coded connectors, both terminal screws are brass.
I connected from the rear little holes but I’m not sure if it makes a difference which wire I connect where.
Is there a white or black wiring order to connect the wires to this type of switch?

This electrical wiring question came from: Juan, a Homeowner from Danville, California.
See more about Home Wiring for California

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

How To Wire Single Light Switches

When wiring a single pole light switch that only has two screw terminals or two plug-in connections on the back and the terminal for the ground wire.
For the Switched Power connections, it really does not matter where the switched wire or power wire is attached.
The switch is just one contact between two points, so in this case, the electrical power can flow in either direction.

Electrical Tips for Wiring Light Switches

Make sure the light switch is grounded when a ground wire is present.
Install light switches so that the orientation of the switch is up for on, and down for off.

The Following will assist you with Wiring a Light Switch

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.

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.

How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring

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

Home Electric Code

Electrical Code Articles
Electrical Code Directory covering AFCI circuit, electrical-boxes, electrical-circuit, electrical-code-outlets, electrical GFCI, electrical-grounding, electrical-project, electrical-services, electrical-underground, electrical-wiring, electrical-wiring-code, lighting-code, smoke-detector,

» 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.

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.

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

More articles about Light Switch Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.