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Wiring Diagrams for Switches
Wiring a Switch Loop
A switch can be added to a circuit to control the power to a light fixture or a receptacle using a two conductor cable. Wrap both end of the white conductor with black electrical tape to label it a switch loop. |
Single Pole Switch
A single pole switch controls the electrical source to a light or a wall receptacle. Wire these switches connecting the hot wire from the source to the bottom terminal on the switch. Connect the top terminal on the switch to the hot terminal on the light fixture or wall receptacle. Connect the neutral wire from the source directly to the light fixture. |
Rheostat Switch
A rheostat makes it possible to vary the current flowing to a light fixture, thereby varying the intensity of the light. This switch has stranded wires that must be sliced to the household wiring. This type of switch should only be used with a light fixture not with a ceiling fan. |
Switch Controls a Receptacle
A single pole switch as well as three and 4-way switches can be used to control a wall receptacle. This is handy for turning a table lamp on and off when entering a room. Splice the ground wire to the ground terminals on the switch and the receptacle. |
Switched Receptacle
A switched receptacle can be used to control the power supply to the attached receptacle or a hard wired light fixture. Control the receptacle using a "jumper" (a short piece of 14awg wire) between the switch and receptacle terminals. With this configuration the switch will control a device plugged into the outlet. To control a hard wired light fixture use the configuration below. With this wiring the receptacle is hot at all times to allow for normal use while the switch controls the light.  |