Which Wire Goes Where In A Light Switch

By | July 26, 2022



Installing a light switch in your home is one of the more basic DIY electrical tasks - but it’s still important to get it right. Knowing which wire goes where in a light switch can seem intimidating, but by understanding the basics of wiring a switch, you’ll be able to map it out and make sure your switch is installed correctly.

When wiring a light switch, there are typically two different wires involved. The ‘live’ or ‘hot’ wire supplies electricity to the switch and the load. This is usually a black or red wire, depending on the type of switch being used. The other wire controls the flow of electricity going from the switch to the load. This is often a white wire, though it can also be bare copper.

In a single-pole light switch, the live wire is connected to one of the terminals on the switch, and the load wire is connected to the other terminal. In a three-way switch, the live wire will be connected to one of the terminals on the switch, the load wire will be connected to the other terminal, and the wire running between the two switches will be connected to the third terminal. This will ensure that electricity is flowing from both switches to the load.

When wiring a light switch, it’s important to make sure all wires are properly connected and secured before turning on the power. With a little patience and attention to detail, anyone can install a switch correctly and safely.


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