Electrical Wall Switch Installation

Explanation of wiring diagram 1.

Electrical wall switch installation.

Electric wall switches last a long time. Most of the common types of switches come in different styles such as toggle rocker slider or push. Another reason to change out the switch is appearances. Still you will want to replace a switch when it wears out in part because it presents a fire hazard.

The wall switch is one of the most common and important electrical devices in the home. One of these will likely be black. Then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. Disconnect the old switch wiring.

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. There should be one wire only under each terminal. To replace this kind of switch follow these steps. Circuit electrical wiring enters the switch box.

This is an updated version of the first arrangement. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached. Featuring wiring diagrams for single pole wall switches commonly used in the home. 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. You may want to change the size color or style of the switch. 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. The black wire power in source attaches to one of the switch screw terminals.

Unscrew and remove the switch plate. Note the switch wiring.