Replacing a Light Switch
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Understanding Light Switch Wiring: I have 2 lights in my living room that are hooked to one dimmer switch. The lights stopped turning on. |
Understanding Light Switch Wiring
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have 2 lights in my living room that are hooked to one dimmer switch. The lights stopped turning on. I checked all the wiring and they seemed OK so I decided the switch must be bad. I don’t need a dimmer switch so I tried to hook it to a single switch by putting the two white wires together and the two black wires together and hooking it up to the switch with jumper wires and it blows the circuit.
This electrical question came from: Barbara, a Homeowner from Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Barbara.
How to Connect Light Switch Wiring
- When the new replacement switch was installed you may have lost track of the wiring assignments.
- The wiring was most likely not connected color to color.
- The exact wiring and switching assignment will need to be identified by using a voltage tester.
- Please follow the links below for full color wiring diagrams for switches.
- Tracing and identifying is best done by an experienced electrician.
More about Light Switch Wiring
Wiring a dimmer switch
3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.
Wiring diagrams
Electrical Wiring Diagrams
Home electrical wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects. An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home or home improvement project.
Light Switch Wiring
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.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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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I have two ceiling lights operated by one switch in a finished basement. I’d like to wire another switch so that the two lights operate independently. I prefer to not cut out any drywall. What are my options?