Wiring Diagrams for Household Switches

• 3-Way Switch Diagrams
• 4-Way Switch Diagrams
• Wiring Receptacles
• Replace Receptacles and Switches

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.

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 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 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.