How to Wire a Light Switch

Light switch is a simple switch, widely found in almost every household. Switches are useful in opening and closing electrical circuits, which facilitates the flow of power though various appliances. It is important that switches at home meet the voltage and ampere requirements for the circuit. The most simple and common of light switches is the 'single pole switch', present in almost every home. The operational simplicity of these switches ensures that they stay intact for long, without getting marred. However, if they do get faulty and need replacement, most of the people wonder, how do you wire a light switch? Well, it is simple if you have basic knowledge about wires and electricity and does not take much time too.

Instructions on Wiring a Light Switch

To start with, you will have to turn off power supply to the circuit on which you intend to work, from the service panel. This will prevent any electric shocks to make it safe to work on. Take your voltage tester and check the incoming cable in the electric box where you are going to install the light switch.

A single-pole light switch has two screws. There will be one black wire, one white and one green wire in the outlet as well as the service panel. The black wire from the service panel needs to be connected to the top screw of the switch and the other black wire from the outlet, to the bottom screw. Keep in mind that the top screw is 'on' while the bottom screw is 'off'. The white wire in the outlet needs to be connected to the white wire from the service panel. The green wires are for earthing. Attach a tiny uncovered piece of wire to the green screw on the switch and connect the other end of this wire to the two green wires. You will now have to push all the wires in the box. Ground wires first, followed by white wires and finally, black wires go into the box. With the help of included screws, fix the switch on the wall box.

If you are dealing with a duplex outlet receptacle, a single outlet with two switches, you will notice that it has two silver screws on the neutral side and two gold or brass screws on the hot or live side. Apart from this, there is also a green screw for earthing. With the help of a screwdriver and pliers, join the white wire to a silver screw, black wire to a gold screw and a ground wire (bare) to the green screw. Once the wires are connected to the respective screws, push the wires back in to the box and fix it to the wall box, keeping a grounding pin on top.

Tips and Tricks

• If you want to connect more than one wire onto a screw terminal, you will have to use shorter length of wires or wire-nuts, as it is not advisable to connect more than one wire to the screw terminal directly.
• In case you are using metallic electrical boxes, you will have to use short lengths of bare wire or wire-nuts as an insulator between existing ground wires and metal boxes.
• When you purchase outlets and switches, ensure that you buy only commercial-grade switches and heavy-duty rated outlets for your needs. These products are long-lasting and are also safer in comparison to non-graded products.
• You may damage the insulation by forcing the switch on to the box. If you are not able to fix the switch into the box, try to rearrange the wire-nuts and wires as flat as possible at the back of the box.
• A basic diagram to wire a light switch which is available online or in a manual, might prove helpful, if you are trying to wire a switch for the first time. Go through the whole procedure properly before trying it yourself.

Learning how to wire a light switch can be very useful and also a money saver, as you do not need to hire an electrician to do your work. You will do it yourself and feel satisfied.