How to Wire a 3 Rocker Switch
A 3 rocker switch is a self-contained switch unit with three single poles. A 3 rocker switch makes better use of wall space at the switch junction box; it eliminates three single pole switches and allows three switches in a space that was only designed for one switch. With a 3 rocker switch, one single power source controls a three-switch unit. A 3 rocker switch turns on three separate lights or devices. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Turn off the circuit breaker that controls the hot supply wire at the location of the 3 rocker switch.
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2
Identify the three switch legs in the wall switch at the junction box. These run from the light fixtures or devices to the wall switch. Each switch leg controls a different device or light. Identify the hot supply wire and the ground wire from the circuit panel. These are the five wires required to wire the 3 rocker switch.
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3
Strip 3/4 inch of insulation from all three switch leg wires, the hot supply wire and the ground wire. The hot (colored) and ground (green) wire run in from the circuit panel and the three switch legs go to the devices or lights.
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4
Study the wire schematic that accompanies the 3 rocker switch, which identifies the set screws to be wired. Attach the hot wire by twisting it around the single set screw marked "hot" on the switch, following the schematic. Tighten the set screw with a screwdriver.
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5
Attach each switch leg to a set screw next to each switch on the side of the 3 rocker switch self-contained unit. Attach the ground wire to the green set screw. Tighten all set screws with a screwdriver.
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6
Install the 3 rocker switch in the junction box using the supplied screws. Install the cover plate. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test each device and light.
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Tips & Warnings
Always turn electrical power off at the circuit panel before starting any switch or light wiring project.
