Understanding Light Switch Wiring
![]() |
How to Wire a Light Switch and Get Your Light Fixtures Working © By: Dave Rongey |
How to Wire a Light Switch
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I am replacing a light fixture in my closet.
- I have put white with white, black with black and ground with ground.
- When I turned the power back on; the closet light stays on in the switch off position.
- When I move the switch to the on position the breaker trips.
- Also, in this same box are wires going to a bathroom light and fan.
- I wired them all together with light in closet and power from the electrical box.
This electrical question came from: Tony, a Homeowner from Heflin, Alabama
See more about Home Wiring for Alabama
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tony
Identifying Wiring for Light Switches
Understanding Light Switch Wiring
- Tony, from the information that you have provided it appears that you have wired a switch into a junction box that has wiring that leads to other areas and devices in your home and you have clearly mis-wired the switch for the closet light.
- The only way to correct this is to clearly identify all of the wires that are found in the switch box, then after this has been performed the wiring may be connected correctly and the switch will function as well.
- No doubt this will require opening up all of the other affected electrical junction boxes which will help to identify what goes where.
- This is best performed by a licensed qualified electrician who will need to create a wiring diagram and or fully identify all of the wiring as mentioned above.
RESOURCES
[ad#block2]How to Wire a Switch
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.
For more information about Light Switch Wiring
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.
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
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 Switch and Home Electrical Wiring: |
|
« Previous | Next » |
Connecting the Red Wire of a Ceiling Fan |
What Causes Circuit Breakers to Trip Off |