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. For starters light switches wear out.
Touchplate Ultra 4 Button Low Voltage Light Switch White
Wiring a metal light switch. Here we look at how to install or replace light switches. You need to connect your neutral wire to light socket and hot wire to the switch and from the switch you connect the wire to light bulb socket other free terminal and ground wire to the one way switch earthling point as i shown in the below diagram. This is an updated version of the first arrangement. Assuming it is a steel box. In a metal back box the incoming earth wire should be connected to the box itself. Wiring of a light switch is very simple and easy connection.
Why might you want to do this. So the question is what do i do with the earth wire. Now you know how to install a light switch just verify that all your steps to replace light switches conform to the nec electric code and remember if you have a metal light switch box do forget. This site is merely. Your switch will then be earthed through its fixing screws to the box but you can always add an extra earth wire from the back box to the switch if you like. Wiring a single pole light switch.
A metal light switch must be earthed as seen below. The house is old so wiring is from god knows when and i am afraid that the earth wire was left behind the other light switches in modern parts of the house dont have it. This light switch wiring diagram page will help you to master one of the most basic do it yourself projects around your house. With a plastic back box there may be nowhere to anchor the incoming earth wire. A two way light switch can also be used in in place of a one way light switch in this instance the red wire from the feed cable is connected to the common c terminal and the red wire going to the light is connected to the l1 terminal. The task of installing additional wiring for a light switch and new light fixture will depend on available access to the proposed location.
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. An argument could be made that light switches are among the most important energy saving tools in our homes because they allow us to easily turn off lights when lighting isnt needed. Hey doing it yourself is great but if you are unsure of the advice given or the methods in which to job is done dont do it. If the light switch has a ground screw on it usually green and at the bottom of the switch connect it now. First of all we should connect the ground wires to the box. With the power coming to the switch and then going to the lights you will notice that there are two black wires two white wires and two ground wires bare wires.
The current old light switches also have the earth wire connected but the new ones dont have earth in lighting circuit. The l2 terminal is unused. Hiring a qualified electrician will ensure that the installation is performed correctly where the existing circuit wires will be identified and new circuit wiring will be extended to the new light switch.
Gallery of Wiring A Metal Light Switch
