The hot source wire is removed from the receptacle and spliced to the red wire running to the switch. What you have is a switch loop and is very common especially in 50s and 60s homes.
Wiring A 3 Way Switch
Electrical switch loop diagram. This is the neutral. Loop diagrams are the most detailed form of diagrams for a control system and thus it must contain all details omitted by pfds and pids alike. A switch loop single pole switches light dimmer and a few choices for wiring a outlet switch combo device. This is the feed. The black from the switch goes to the black from the fixture. This is the switched hot.
Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. The white from the panel goes to the white from the fixture. An example of installing a new switch loop is when a light fixture originally switched with a pull chain is converted to use a wall switch. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Every now and then an electrician mentions something called a switch loop. These set of drawings are more detailed than process and instrument diagrams pids.
In a switch loop the hot and neutral wires arrive at the light fixture before reaching the switch. How does electrical switch wiring work. In a switch loop this is not how its done. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. If the user is unable to perform electrical work themselves a qualified electrician should be consulted. Normally the neutral or return conductor accompanies the hot conductor everywhere.
Identify the lighting circuit turn it off and tag it with a note before working with the wiring. Electrical codes and inspections. Boxes recessed behind combustible materials like wood present a fire hazard because the wood is left exposed to potential heat and sparks. Instrument loop diagrams are also called instrument loop drawings or loop sheets. Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram. How to read these diagrams.
This wiring diagram illustrates adding wiring for a light switch to control an existing wall outlet. The black from the panel goes to the white from the switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Wrapping the wire clockwise when wiring a light switch ensures that the loop on the end of the wire will. Switch loops work by stealing a hot thats in an attic or maybe in a light fixture box in the ceiling and sending that hot down to the switch on a. Wiring an outlet to a switch loop.
Electric switch parts and materials. The source is at the outlet and a switch loop is added to a new switch. Electrical parts and materials for wiring switches should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes. This page contains wiring diagrams for household light switches and includes. Electrical boxes must be flush to the wall surface if the wall surface is a combustible material. A switch loop occurs when both the switch at the end of a circuit or an incoming cable and a neutral become hot leads and connect to a terminal.