Wiring Diagrams for Household Switches
Also see:This page contains wiring diagrams for household electrical switches to control a light fixture or wall receptacle. Diagrams include a switch loop, single pole switch, rheostat and wiring for a switch/receptacle combo.
Switch Loop Diagram
A switch loop can be added when the electrical source originates at the fixture to control the power to a light or a wall receptacle from a wall switch. Use a two conductor cable and wrap both ends of the white conductor with black electrical tape to label it a switch loop. When wiring switches always connect the hot wire to the bottom terminal on the switch.
A Single Pole Switch Controls a Light Fixture
Here a single pole switch controls the electrical source to a light or a wall receptacle. Wire the switch 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.
A Rheostat Switch Controls a Light Fixture
A rheostat makes it possible to vary the current flowing to a light fixture, thereby varying the intensity of the light. This type of switch should only be used with a light fixture not with a ceiling fan. This switch may have stranded wires that must be sliced to the household wiring. Connect the hot wire to the bottom wire on the switch and the top switch wire to the hot terminal on the light.
A Switch Controls a Wall Receptacle
A single pole switch as well as three-way 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. Connect the hot source wire to the bottom terminal on the switch and the neutral wire directly to the neutral terminal on the receptacle. Splice the ground wire to the ground terminals on the switch and the receptacle.
Wiring Diagram for a Switch/Receptacle Combo
A combo switch/receptacle is handy when you need a receptacle and a switch but you only have one outlet box available.
These devices come with a removable connector between the two hot terminals. When intact and wired to one circuit the switch will control a light while the receptacle will remain hot. Breaking the connection tab will allow for wiring two separate circuits, one to a light and one to the receptacle or a jumper wire can be added to control the receptacle with the switch.
