Light Switch Wiring Diagram: A Detailed Tutorial

There are different switches used for light wiring but the basic type is a single pole light switch that is used for on and off lights. In basic light switch wiring, the cable provides line voltage from the panel to the light fixture outlet box. cable connected with the light fixture box to the switch box. Here we will discuss different light switch wiring combinations. So let’s get started with the Light Switch Wiring Diagram.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Light Switch

The light switch is an electrical device that is used for controlling light and either device is connected. Many types of switches are used for performing different uses.
The conventional switch has features to ON or OF the connected light or other device but the latest type of switches as dimmer switches can dim light and on or off according to need.

Components of Light Switch

The main components of the light switch are listed here

Toggles or rockers

It is a component of a switch that is used for on or off light. If the switch is off circuit is open no current flows for light glow. When the switch is on current flows and the light will on.

Contacts

It exists in the switch and when we off the switch these contacts separate. When we ON switch contacts make a connection and the light is on.

Terminal screws

These components are connected at the back side of the switch. These terminals are used for making connections for incoming wires to switch.

Line wires

These wires carry current from the fuse box to the switch.

Load wires

These wires provide current from the switch to the light.

How to Install a Light Switch

Materials and Tool Required

Screwdriver
Non-contact voltage tester
Wire labels
Light switch
Electrically insulated gloves
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Needle-nose pliers

How to Wire Light Switch

First of all off the power supply from the breaker pale and turn off the main switch.
For new light switch installation connect the required cables from the breaker panel to the point where needs to be installed and then from the switch to the light. But if there is a power supply then can get it from a power source connected nearby. Move two wires having black common wire and white neutral wire and ground from breaker to light switch. Then connect two wires to another cable from the switch to the light
With the use of non-contact voltage test make sure that power is off to the circuit. Remove the older switch by removing the faceplates.
For replacing the connected light switch loose mounting screws with a screwdriver and disconnect screw terminals from connected wires.
Make the connection of the new light switch with wires that previously connected with the switch for the following same connection points.
In the last step secure the faceplate and on the power and check new switch is working.

Light switch Wiring Colors

The light switch comes with three wires
The white wire is the neutral wire and is connected with a silver screw.
The black or red wire is the hot wire.
Green wire is ground wire connected with a green screw in the switch

Single Pole Switch Wiring

Here we have a wiring diagram of a single pole switch where the power supply is connected to a switch and two wires from the switch connected with the light.
There are two brass terminals, black wire is connected with two switch terminals. Neutral white coming from a source connected with white wire and moving to light.
Both white and black wires in light are connected to the terminal.

Here is a wiring diagram from a single pole light switch

Light at the center of the circuit

Here is a circuit made with a switch at one side of it and a light in middle of the circuit. Single pole switch controlling light from wire that moves to light from soruce.