Light Switch Diagram
How to wire a light switch in the u s a.
Light switch diagram. In the diagram below right a 2 wire nm cable that connects the light fixture to the switch carries 2 line wires one line and one switched line. Three way switches allow for controlling a light fixture from two separate locations these are usually used at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs or at two different entrances to a room. Also included are wiring arrangements for multiple light fixtures controlled by one switch two switches on one box and a split receptacle controlled by two. Another nm cable connects from the light fixture box to the switch box.
A three way switch is one that works in conjunction with another three way switch to power the same light. With alternate light switch wiring an nm cable supplies line voltage from the electrical panel to a light fixture outlet box. A switch loop single pole switches light dimmer and a few choices for wiring a outlet switch combo device. You can see a diagram at electrical 101.
A three way switch has an extra terminal because a pair of three ways has to be connected to each other as well as to power and the light. To illustrate the wiring of these switches switch boxes and fixture boxes are not shown but are obviously. If you are based in the u s a. From here it is easy to modify the 2 way switch diagram to add an intermediate switch which allows you to control a light from 3 switches or 4 or 5.
This page contains wiring diagrams for household light switches and includes. Please refer to the user manual of specific neon light or. Regardless of what 3 way switch wiring diagram you re following you ll need to use a 3 wire cable to connect the two 3 way light switches. The above wiring diagram shows the leviton pilot light switch.
You often find three ways at opposite ends of a staircase. Easy to understand light switch wiring fully explained light switch wiring with diagrams and pictures with step by step instructions to guide you. This 3 way light switch diagram shows connections when the power comes into the first switch on to the second switch and then on to two or more lights switched by the 3 way circuit. Understanding the basic light switch for home electrical wiring.
Whether you have power coming in through the switch or from the lights these switch wiring diagrams will show you the light. So what you should see if you have correct 3 wire electrical cable romex is a black power white neutral and now a 3rd red wire. This light switch wiring diagram page will help you to master one of the most basic do it yourself projects around your house.