Make sure there is enough wire exposed to make a connection with the terminal. [1] X Research source The energy going to a switch is nothing to scoff at, and it can cause serious damage if you come in contact with it. Double-Pole Switches and Wiring. This is the new method to make a 2-way switch connection and it is slightly different from the two-wire control method. A two way switch has 3 terminals. The energy going to a switch is nothing to scoff at, and it can cause serious damage if you come in contact with it. To switch from two locations you'll need 2 two way switches and wire them together in a particular way. They are called "switch-legs." Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Manufacturers don’t make decorative one way switches. Why do I have to have both switches in the on position for the outside light to work? However, replacing these with decorative switches can add a stylish finishing touch to your home. If there are two black terminals on the same side, it does not matter which one you attach the feed to. fig 2 . We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Learn the tech tips and tricks that everyone should know! 2. Do not connect this switch directly to a ring circuit. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Connect the three ground wires together along with a pigtail with a wire connector, wrap it with electrical tape and stuff it back into the box. Before disconnecting an existing light make careful note of how the existing connections are made. Connect the cables as shown in the diagram. Connect the pigtail to the ground screw on the double gang switch. This is because two way switches can also be used on one way circuits. This diagram illustrates wiring for one switch to control 2 or more lights. On one side you should see two screws connected by a small piece of metal. If your single light switch is currently operating two light fixtures, you can add a double light switch to allow those lights to operate separately. Always check and double-check that there is no power coming to you when you work. Though it is not difficult to wire a double switch, careful attention to safety is crucial to prevent injury. 2-Way Switch & Dimmer Wiring. (see lights and switches) Although there was none there, we have added a red indicator to the black wire. On the side of the switch without the metal bridge, connect the remaining black wires, one to each screw terminal. Connect the pigtail to the ground screw on the double gang switch. The second two way light switch is also quite easy to wire up. Make sure that the load cable is connected to the appliance to be switched and that this switch is earthed. What can I do? It will either be 12 or 14 gauge wire. The switches are situated one on top of the other, and instead of the traditional switch plate, an outlet plate is used to finish the installation. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 452,514 times. If you discover your wiring is aluminum, stop work immediately and contact a wiring professional. Head to your circuit breaker and turn off the flow of electricity in the room you are working. The cable going to the light switch is connected as follows (fig 2). 1-Way Wiring. If you are still struggling reverse the connections or check the manual included with your new switch. It is also called the "hot-wire." Connect the three white wires together with a wire connector, wrap it with electrical tape and stuff it back into the box. Be extremely careful with these wire while the power is on. If you need to know how to fix or modify a lighting circuit, you're in the right place…. If you are trying to separate two lights that use the same wiring, as opposed to two already separate sources, you will likely need a trained electrician. You will need an additional wire up to the fan. Never work on an electrical circuit while it is hot. Making a double light switch from a single light switch allows you to add an additional switch without tearing up your wall. By using our site, you agree to our. 1. One source is spliced to each switch with a pigtail to power the two lights. A double-gang switch is also available. How to wire 2 way light switch, in this video we explain how two way switching works to connect a light fitting which is controlled with two light switches. Connect the three ground wires together along with a pigtail with a wire connector, wrap it with electrical tape and stuff it back into the box. The switchbox you will be using will have four black and/or red wires inside. When you’re wiring decorative light switches such as chrome or stainless steel etc, you’ll find that the switch will also have an L2 terminal which means it’s a two way switch. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. A double gang light switch is designed to fit in a single-gang switch box, yet it offers the capability of controlling two separate circuits. If you have a metal face plate for your switch there should also be a green and yellow earth wire to a small terminal on this. To wire a double switch, you'll need to cut the power, remove the old switch, then feed and connect the wires into the double switch fixture. When you're done, tighten … I removed a wall switch that had three wires (white, black, and ground). Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Using a power drill, make holes where you marked and drill the holes, screwing the light fixture into these holes. This article has been viewed 452,514 times. Or you could change an existing switch to give you convenient, multi-way control of a light in your hallway, landing or stairwell. Just ignore the L2 terminal. Light wiring diagram; Getting started. As you can see in the Schematic Diagram of 2 way switch circuit below, the common of both the switches are short … There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Although plug-in connections may be more convenient, they are less reliable than those with screw terminals, so don’t use them! This arrangement is often found in stairways, with one switch upstairs and one switch downstairs or in long hallways with a switch … The green screw is for the grounding wire. His articles are featured on hundreds of websites, and have landed him in two nationally published books "If I Had a Hammer: More Than 100 Easy Fixes and Weekend Projects" by Andrea Ridout and "How to Cheat at Home Repair" by Jeff Brendenberg. This article has been viewed 452,514 times. How to Wire a Double Switch - 2 Single Pole Switches - YouTube Light Wiring Diagrams. Two way switch (UK light switch) A two way switch (for switching a light from two different locations like in a hallway) has a common (C) a L1 and an L2 terminal. Our dimmer switches are 2 way, ie can be used for switching lights from either one or two places, but the other switch needs to be a standard rocker, dolly or on/off dummy dimmer switch. If the detector light turns on, then power is still running to the switch. This arrangement is often found in stairways, with one switch upstairs and one switch downstairs or in long hallways with a switch … Then, mimic the wire connections on the old double light switch by wrapping the ends of the hot wires around these screws. Secure the switch to the box with the top and bottom screws. Let everyone in household know that you are working on the electricity. The cable coming from the first light switch is connected as follows (fig 5). All types of lighting circuits in old and new cable colours. The wire strippers should have a spot marked for each gauge wire. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. On the other side you will see two screws with no metal bridge. All type of light switches explained . Connect one wire to the first switch in the box and the second wire to the other switch, and connect the black wire from each of the lights to the other terminal on its respective switch. References. Light switches are functional items, and many of the basic varieties (made from white plastic) can look a bit plain. The remaining three go to the three light fixtures that the switches will control. Test your switch to make sure it works properly by turning each switch on and off. If this is a new fixture, hold it up against the wall and mark the position of the screws with a pencil on the wall. You can never be too careful when working with electricity. In position 2 when the switch is up or off com and l2 are connected together. Essentially, 2 black wires are attached to the bottom dark screw of one switch. Connect the pigtail to the ground screw on the double gang switch. Generally, you'll want to attach the breaker box hot wire to the black terminal screw on the common side of the switches, and then the hot wires leading to the light fixtures to the other two terminal screws. Carefully cut the outer cable sheath and peel it … By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Connect the three ground wires together along with a pigtail with a wire connector, wrap it with electrical tape and stuff it back into the box. 1-Way Switch & Dimmer Wiring. Mark the wires with masking tape once you know what they do so that you don't get confused later. If you are unsure of which wires in your installation are live or neutral, or have any other doubts, please consult a qualified electrician. This issue can occur if a traveller is mixed up with the line feed; or if only a 2-wire was pulled between the two switches; or where the feed comes to the light first, and the two switches aren't linked correctly. Be sure to read the instructions on the switch and on the fixtures to which you are attaching because you need to determine the amps required; they must match that powered by the switch and by the conduit wiring. It's possible that the switch you removed was one of the two that controls the non-functioning light. Look at the terminals on the double gang switch. 1-Way Switch to Touch Dimmer Conversion Wiring. Use a pair of wire strippers to expose at least 1/2-inch of wire. The red wire is connected to the (L1) terminal, the black wire (marked with red tape or red sleeving) is connected to the (L2) terminal and the earth wire is connected to the earth terminal. 3 way light switching (new cable colours) 3 way light switch (old cable colours) 3 way light switch using a two wire control; News & Updates 2 way light switch (3 wire system, new harmonised cable colours) 2 way switch (3 wire system, old cable colours) 2 way switch (two wire control) Three way switching. 2 way switching means having two or more switches in different locations to control one lamp.They are wired so that operation of either switch will control the light. For example, you might want to turn on a bathroom light separately from the ceiling fan. Wrap the terminals with electrical tape and carefully push the switch into the box. Wiring Two Switches for Two Lights. % of people told us that this article helped them. The next length of the twinearth cable will run from the light to the first two way switch. Here are step by step instructions on how to wire up a two way lighting circuit or to change a existing one way light switch to a two way system, this is very useful on stairs etc. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Learn more... A double-switch allows you to operate two lights or appliances from the same location. 2-Way Touch Dimmer Wiring fig 5. How to wire a 2 way lighting circuit - In this video I show how to wire a light that can be turned on and off with two different switches. You should do the same thing if you see this is the case in your old switch. Learn how to install a double switch or combination two switches. Usually the correct circuit is labeled, but if it is not you should turn off all the power in order to be safe. The black wire should have a piece of red sleeve or tape around it to indicate this. Make sure you check the light bulb and appliance before continuing, as the problem may not be with the switch. In order to operate two separate lights, there should be at least one feed in the box and two traveller circuits (one for each light). Cut the power to the room you're working in. The neutral side terminals are usually copper. 2 way switching means having two or more switches in different locations to control one lamp.They are wired so that operation of either switch will control the light. Double switches, sometimes called "double pole," allow you to separately control the power being sent to multiple places from the same switch. Utilising the existing electrical box eliminates the need for a larger electrical box. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Note: This article only describes installing the switch itself, not rewiring two conjoined feeds that need to be separated. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. 1-Way Touch Dimmer Wiring. A switch with three wires could be used for a hall light with a switch at each end. What wires are needed when wiring a double switch? If the end of the wire is frayed or nicked up, cut it off, strip another inch of insulation off, and use this end. Because this level of troubleshooting requires a live circuit to determine what's what, call a qualified electrician to do this repair. Place a piece of electrical tape across the circuit breaker once you have it turned off in order to warn others not to switch the breaker on. What wires need to be moved to turn on a light with one switch and a fan with another? A one way light switch is quite easy to wire up. This earth wire should be connected to the metal box in the wall called a pattress box. Please Note Tighten down the second screw on that side. Loosen the screws on the double light switch. If a light switch fails to function, it should be replaced. If you’re circuit is only one way, you can ignore this terminal and it will still work. The white neutral wires do not connect to the switch, but are joined together with a wire nut. 2-Way Wiring. How to wire a light: lighting circuit diagrams and visual aids, step by step easy to follow guides. For 20, 32, 40, 45 & 50 Amp Double Pole Switches. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Wire-a-Double-Switch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Wire-a-Double-Switch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Wire-a-Double-Switch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1454214-v4-728px-Wire-a-Double-Switch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"