One Method Of Wiring a Light Switch

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.

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.

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

How to Wire a Switch

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.

Electrical Grounding

Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements

Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « 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 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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