One Method Of Wiring a Light Switch
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How to Wire a Programmable Light Switch even when it appears to be complicated because as I explain, the process really becomes clear especially as you see the examples in the wiring diagrams. © By: Dave Rongey |
How to Wire a Programmable Light Switch
[ad#block]Electrical Question:Just a simple question: Why would a simple light switch be wired with two separate cables?
- I have wall light switch where two cables come into the junction box.
- The black wire from both cables are connected to the switch.
- The white wires from each cable bypass the switch and are connected together.
- The ground wires from each cable are also connected, but in this case there’s a pigtail going to the switch.Is there a reason why it would be wired this way?
- I was only expecting one cable to be coming in.
- I was going to replace this switch with a programmable digital timer, but decided to give up when I saw the wiring.
- The programmable timer switch has 4 wires
- black , white, red, and green.
- The programmable timer switch has 4 wires
Thanks, -Tunc.
Background: Tunc, a Homeowner from Lawrenceville, GA
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tunc.
How to Wire a Programmable Light Switch even when it Appears to be Complicated
- No need to give up! What you have described is one typical wiring configuration where the power enters at the switch box.
- The black power wire attaches to the switch, the other black wire on the switch leads directly to the light fixture.
- The neutrals and ground wires splice through, and the ground is bonded to the light switch.
Wiring Connections for a Programmable Light Switch
- The programmable digital timer is wired as follows
- Black to the Incoming Black Hot wire.
- Red to the Black wire going to the light fixture.
- White is spliced with the White Neutral wires.
- Green is spliced with the Ground wires.
RESOURCES
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.
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