#On off switch wiring how to#
#On off switch wiring install#

The black wire is going to be connected to the black screw on the switch The white wires in this situation are just connected together and never touch the switches. These will be wired from one switch to the other so that the lights will turn on or off regardless as to which switch you use. Three-way switches will have traveler screws or connection points. There will be an additional wire needed (often red) to connect the switches together to a dedicated screw or input on the switch that is specifically marked for this purpose. Therefore, the 2 switches + the light = 3 way.

#On off switch wiring how to#

How to Wire a Three Way Light SwitchĪ three-way light switch is one where you have two switches that have the ability to control the same light or set of lights. This simple diagram should provide you with the basic understanding as to how a single pole light switch is wired. This prevents the chances of an arc in the event that something comes loose in the electrical box. When you are finished, it is a good idea to wrap the switch with electrical tape to cover the connections. The ground wire (sometimes in a green jacket) should be connected to your switch and to your lights. This wire is needed to complete the circuit. The white or neutral wire bypasses the switch and goes straight to your lights. The switch serves to cut the power from reaching the light switch. How to Wire a Standard Single Pole Light SwitchĪ standard single pole light switch will simply require you to attach the black (load) wire into it, and then the black wire leaving the switch and to your lights. Your switch may have slots to push the wires straight into place rather than use the screws on the side. Next, bend the wire into a pig tail loop so that you can easily attach to the screws on the light switch. The wire strippers should have a spot marked for each gauge wire. Then, use your wire strippers and strip away about 5/8 of an inch of the insulation from the wire.

Stripping the Wiresįirst, know what gauge wire you are working with.

#On off switch wiring install#

You will want to replicate that same wiring scheme when you install the new switch. If there are more wires for a three-way switch, then also keep track of where those were also connected. See where the black and white wires are connected. Important – If you are replacing an existing switch, make sure that you take not of how it is wired before you remove the existing wires. Red Wire – This wire is used for 3 or 4 way switches and will connect the switches together so they can each control your lights.Bare Copper (Green) Wire – This is your ground wire.Black Wire – This is the hot or load wire.Tools Needed to Wire a Light Switchīasic Knowledge of How to Wire a Light Switch If you do not know which breaker feeds your switch, then just turn on the light and test each breaker until you find the one that turns off your lights. It is important to also read the directions that come with your particular light switch because there may be something different about the one you purchased or a change in technology that would require a different light switch installation.īefore you do anything, you will need to cut the power to the light switch. Our instructions on how to wire a light switch for a standard light switch, a three-way light switch and a four-way light switch are outlined below. As a homeowner, you will likely need to replace a light switch many times and paying an electrician is not optimal when you can do it in just a few minutes. Learning how to wire a light switch is one of the basic skills that every homeowner should do.