Electrical Wall Switch Installation

You may want to change the size color or style of the switch.

Electrical wall switch installation.

There are several different types of switches and although they may look the same when they are installed with their faceplates intact the various switches look and function differently on the inside. Then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. Explanation of wiring diagram 1. Disconnect the old switch wiring.

Switch wiring shows the power source power in starts at the switch box. Because the electrical code as of the 2011 nec update requires a neutral wire in most new switch boxes a 3 wire cable runs between the light and switch. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached. The black wire power in source attaches to one of the switch screw terminals.

One of these is the power feed and one is the switch leg but the switch terminals are interchangeable so there is no need to identify which is which. One of these will likely be black. There should be one wire only under each terminal. The wall switch is one of the most common and important electrical devices in the home.

Circuit electrical wiring enters the switch box. Turn off the power to the switch at the main circuit breaker or fuse panel. Featuring wiring diagrams for single pole wall switches commonly used in the home. The other may be black red or white.

To replace this kind of switch follow these steps. This is an updated version of the first arrangement. Note the switch wiring. Still you will want to replace a switch when it wears out in part because it presents a fire hazard.

Electric wall switches last a long time. The red and black are used for hot and the white neutral wire at the switch box allows for powering a timer remote control or other programmable switch.