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Electrical Wire and Cable


Replacing a Light Switch and Changing the Wiring

Dina in Maryland asks; How do I connect the wires when replacing my light switches? How to Replace a Light Switch and Make the Wiring Connections, Identifying the Wiring, Connecting the Wiring for Your New Switch.


Electrical Video #1

Generator Automatic Transfer Switch
and Electric Circuit Sub Panel

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Will Display at the End of This Video
So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Wiring Light Switches
Electrical Question: How do I connect the wires when replacing my light switches?

I need to replace a single light switch, but when I pulled the old switch out of the wall here is what I discovered:

The switch has three wires attached to it, in addition to the grounding wire. Two of these wires are pushed into the back of the switch, the 3rd one is around one of the screws on the side. The new switch that I bought only has two screws, not counting the grounding screw. How do I connect this? I’m not sure if all three of the wires going into the old switch are “hot” or if only two are hot, which ones they are. What would that third wire be from? I also noticed on the old switch that it says “CU and CU Clad Wire only.” This means that I have copper wires, not aluminum, correct?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
This home electrical wiring question came from: Dina, a Homeowner from Baltimore, Maryland.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electric wiring question Dina.

How to Replace a Light Switch and Make the Wiring Connections

Application: Wiring for a Light Switch.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Electrical Wiring for Light Switches

Identifying the Electrical Wires When Replacing a Light Switch

When Connecting the Wiring for Your New Switch, this is what I Recommend:

Electrical Wiring Abbreviations and Terms about Light Switch Wiring

More about Wiring Light Switches

Light Switch Wiring
Light Switch Wiring

Electrical wire
electrical-wire


The following may also be helpful for you:

Electrical Video #2

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet

without a Ground Wire

Check out my YouTube Channel and Subscribe to my Videos
» AskTheElectrician «

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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.



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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