Wiring Diagrams for Light Switches

Summary: Fully explained wiring diagrams and photos show how to wire switches including: single switches, 3-way switches, 4-way switches, and dimmer switches.

Diagrams for Wiring Light Switches

Before wiring a light switch please consider the following:
Make sure the circuit power has been turned off, and mark the circuit breaker or fuse to indicate that work is being done.
Make sure the switch is correct for your application. The switch should be rated for the circuit voltage and the amperage. For example: A standard light switch in the USA for a bedroom is typically rated for 120 volts, 15 amps.
Before replacing a light switch, make sure to identify the existing wiring before removing the wires. Make a note describing how the wires are connected to the switch. Create a drawing and mark the wires with electrical tape or masking tape. If possible, take a picture of the wiring inside the switch box, and how the wires are attached to the switch.

	Single Switch Wiring Diagram 1 Easy to Understand Light Switch Wiring - Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring with Diagrams and Pictures with Step-By-Step Instructions to Guide You.
	Single Switch Wiring Diagram 2 Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches with photo diagram 2.
	3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram Part 1 3Way Switch Wiring Diagrams #1, #2 and #3 The key to three way switch wiring depends on two main factors. These wiring diagrams help you identify the power feed and the switch leg leading to the fixture.
	3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram Part 2 3Way Switch Wiring Diagrams #4, #5 and #6 Continuing on with wiring three way switches, these next three wiring diagrams in this series will help you identify three more possibilities for wiring the power feed and the switch wiring that leads to the light fixture..
	4 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. 4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations. The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3-way switching.
	Wiring Dimmer Switches Fully Explained Wiring for 3 Way Dimmer Switches with Wiring Diagrams and Pictures - Instructions about How to Wire 3 Way Dimmer Switches.

More about Wiring Switches

Wiring Master and Slave Switches
How to Wire Master and Slave Switches for Three and Four Switch Lighting Control: I need 4-way wiring diagram using master dimmer & companion dimmer & 1 4-Way rocker switch.
How To Fix 4-Way Switch Wiring
How to Avoid Confusion about the White Wire and 4 Way Switch Wiring with the power and the 3-wire cable of the 3 Way Switches.
Dimmer Switch Wiring and 3-Way Switches
How to Wire Dimmer Switches and 3-Way Switches: Electrical Tips about Wiring 3-Way Dimmers and Switches. Here are Easy to Understand 3 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams and Installation Guide.
How to Correct 3-Way Switch Wiring
The One Most Misunderstood Item about 3-Way Switch Wiring – This is why the white wire should be identified with black electrical tape or black permanent marker when use for any switch wiring to prevent confusion.
How to Wire Switches and Outlets from a Power Source
How to Connect Electrical Wiring for Switches and Outlets: The Most Common Method for Wiring Switches and Outlets from the Power Source.

Learn more about wiring switches

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Perfect for the Homeowner, Handyman, Electrician and Building Inspector.
Includes:
Methods for Home Electrical Wiring
Types of Light Switches and Lighting Controls How They are Wired
Wiring Diagrams for Light Switches
Wiring 3-Way Switches
Wiring 4-Way Switches
Wiring Dimmer Switches
How to Make Your Own Light Fixtures
....and much more.
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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.