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

• Garage Wiring
• Light Switch Wiring Diagrams
  

• 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.

• Wiring Diagrams
• Home Electrical Wire

• 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, 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.

Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example A Quick Overview of Home Electrical Wiring Helping You Wire it Right Learn more with my Home Electrical Wiring 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.

More articles about Light Switch Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Bathroom Heater Electrical Wiring	Installing a Electricity Cost Monitor