How to Wire an Additional Light Switch
Being able to split a single light switch into two switches give you more control of the lighting in your room. Not having to have all your lights on at the same time, especially when not needed, can save on energy cost. Knowing how to wire an additional light switch can also make a ceiling fan more convenient to operate. If you need the fan only, you can operate that with one switch and operate the light with the other switch. There could be many areas in your home that would benefit from additional switches. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screw driver
- Wire cutter/strippers
- 14 solid THHN black wire
- Orange wire nuts
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Instructions
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Turn off the electricity to the switch at the main breaker panel by turning off the corresponding breaker.
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Create pigtail wires. Cut two 6-inch pieces of 14 solid THHN black wire using wire cutter/strippers. Strip ½ inch of insulation off of each end of the pigtails using the same tool.
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Locate the black power supply wire in the electrical box. The power supply wire connects directly to the main electrical panel.
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Connect the two black pigtail wires to the power supply wire by twisting an orange wire nut to all three wires.
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Wire the switches to the pigtails. Connect one of the black pigtails to the bottom right screw on the right side of the original switch and tighten the screw. Connect the remaining pigtail to the additional light switch by wrapping the pigtail wire around the bottom screw on the right side and tightening it.
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Wire the switches to their fixtures. Locate the black fixture wire for the original switch and connect it to the top right screw on the right side of the original switch and tighten. Connect the new light fixture black wire to the top right screw on the additional switch and tighten.
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Install the switches in the electrical box at the top and the bottom of the electrical box with the screws that were furnished with the switches. Attach a switch cover plate to the wall with the screws furnished with the cover plate.
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Turn on the electricity to the switch box at the main breaker panel by turning on the breaker that powers the switches.
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Tips & Warnings
Always make sure the electricity is off to the are you are working to avoid electrical shock.
References
- Photo Credit light switch image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
