How To Install A Light Switch With Four Wires

How to Wire a Lite Switch

Learning how to wire a light switch is one of the bones skills that every homeowner should do. As a homeowner, you will probable need to replace a low-cal switch many times and paying an electrician is not optimal when yous can do information technology in just a few minutes.

Our instructions on how to wire a low-cal switch for a standard light switch, a 3-way light switch and a iv-mode light switch are outlined below. It is important to likewise read the directions that come with your item light switch because there may be something different well-nigh the 1 yous purchased or a change in technology that would require a dissimilar light switch installation.

Before you do anything, you will need to cut the power to the lite switch. If you practice not know which breaker feeds your switch, then but plough on the light and test each breaker until yous find the 1 that turns off your lights.

Tools Needed to Wire a Light Switch

• Needle nose pliers
• Wire strippers
• Philips head screw driver
• Wire Nuts
• Electric Record

Basic Knowledge of How to Wire a Calorie-free Switch

• Blackness Wire – This is the hot or load wire
• White Wire – This is the neutral wire
• Bare Copper (Green) Wire – This is your basis wire
• Red Wire – This wire is used for 3 or 4 way switches and will connect the switches together so they tin can each control your lights.

Of import – If you are replacing an existing switch, brand sure that you accept not of how information technology is wired before you remove the existing wires. See where the blackness and white wires are connected. If in that location are more wires for a three-way switch, then also go on track of where those were likewise connected. You will want to replicate that same wiring scheme when you install the new switch.

Stripping the Wires

Get-go, know what approximate wire you are working with. It volition either exist 12 or xiv approximate wire. Then, apply your wire strippers and strip away virtually 5/viii of an inch of the insulation from the wire. The wire strippers should have a spot marked for each gauge wire.

Next, bend the wire into a pig tail loop then that yous can easily attach to the screws on the light switch. Your switch may have slots to push button the wires direct into place rather than use the screws on the side.

How to Wire a Standard Unmarried Pole Light Switch

A standard unmarried pole light switch will simply require you lot to attach the blackness (load) wire into it, and and then the black wire leaving the switch and to your lights. The switch serves to cut the power from reaching the light switch.

The white or neutral wire bypasses the switch and goes direct to your lights. This wire is needed to complete the circuit.

The ground wire (sometimes in a green jacket) should be connected to your switch and to your lights.

When you are finished, it is a skillful idea to wrap the switch with electrical tape to embrace the connections. This prevents the chances of an arc in the event that something comes loose in the electrical box.

This simple diagram should provide you with the basic understanding equally to how a single pole light switch is wired.

How to Wire a Three Fashion Light Switch

A iii-mode low-cal switch is one where you have two switches that take the ability to control the aforementioned light or set of lights. Therefore, the 2 switches + the light = 3 way.  There will be an additional wire needed (oftentimes red) to connect the switches together to a dedicated screw or input on the switch that is specifically marked for this purpose.

3-way switches will have traveler screws or connexion points. These volition exist wired from 1 switch to the other then that the lights volition plow on or off regardless as to which switch you use.

The white wires in this state of affairs are simply connected together and never touch the switches. The black wire is going to be connected to the blackness screw on the switch

The main wire that volition go from one switch to the other should have iv wires total (blackness, white, ground and carmine).

Review the diagram below for basic three-way wiring instructions.

Here is our video on how to wire a three-fashion light switch

Wire Nuts

Y'all have various options for the wire nuts at present. The traditional screw blazon but now as well the button in wire nuts which are so much easier. No twisting at all and these have upwards less room within of your electrical box.

You tin can buy these inexpensive yet effective push button in wire nuts here on Amazon .

Conclusion – How to Wire a Low-cal Switch

Every bit you tin come across, wiring a light switch does not have to be complicated. Like whatsoever other abode improvement project, it merely requires a little research and patience. If yous accept any questions, simply ask down below in the comments.  If you are using a dimmer switch, then see our commodity on how to choose a dimmer switch earlier you brand your purchase.

Related Questions

Do I demand an electrician to install a light switch?
Installing a calorie-free switch is something that whatsoever homeowner can practise if you are comfy working with electricity. If you are non sure of yourself, and so absolutely hire an electrician.

Does it matter which wire goes where on a light switch?
Information technology is important to wire the light switch properly and according to its instructions. It is possible to cause serious damage to your switch or fixture and even commencement a burn down if you exercise not wire the switch correctly.

Does the hot wire get continued to the light switch?
The hot wire does get connected to the light switch while the white neutral wire does not. At that place are some light switch installations that also have the neutral wire going to the switch.

It is hard to install a 4 fashion light switch?
Installing a 4 mode light switch is more complicated and is much easier washed during new construction.

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Source: https://www.lightingtutor.com/how-to-wire-a-light-switch/

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