How to Install a Double Toggle Light Switch

A double toggle switch has two independent switches.

Installing a double toggle light switch is a convenient and space-saving alternative to installing two single-pole switches in a much larger double-gang box. Double toggle light switches allow the user to control two different lighting circuits from one device that fits easily within a single-gang box. Depending on your wiring situation, the switch can accept two independent circuits or power two different lighting circuits using one feed. Installing one of these devices isn't difficult, but it helps if you have a basic understanding of how electric circuits work.

Things You'll Need

• Double toggle light switch
• Screwdrivers
• Touch-type voltage tester
• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the lighting circuit that will be controlled by the double toggle switch. If you are using two individual circuits, turn both breakers off.

2. Test the wires inside the wall box with a touch-type voltage tester before you touch any of them to ensure one or both circuits are off. Press the button on the tester. Touch the tip of the tester to each wire to ensure the circuit is dead. If the tester beeps or lights up, then the circuit is still live. Try additional breakers until you find the correct one.

3. Separate the wires inside the wall box into individual pairs by identifying the black and white wires that are traveling to the lights. Since the double toggle switch is being used, there should be a black and white for one lighting circuit and another pair for the other lighting circuit. There should also be one (or two) feed circuits. Keeping all the circuits separated will help you avoid wiring mistakes.

4. Strip 3/4-inch of insulation from each wire in the wall box using the wire strippers. Use the hole on the wire strippers to bend each copper portion of the black wires into a hook, or U-shape. Bend only the copper portion of the black wires, not the white wires.

5. Twist the copper parts of the white wires together. Secure the connection with a wire connector. No copper should be exposed below the wire connector. Wrap the connection with electrical tape. Place the white wires in the wall box.

6. Cut a six-inch piece of ground wire. Wrap one end around the green ground screw on the double toggle light switch. Twist the other end together with the other ground wires in the box. Secure them together with a wire connector. Place the connection in the box.

7. Loosen all four terminals on the switch if you are using two individual feed circuits. One side of the switch is marked "line"; and the other side of the switch is marked "load." If you're only using one feed circuit, then only loosen one terminal on the line side.

   Most importantly, if you are using two separate feed circuits, loosen both line side terminals. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the thin piece of metal that bridges both line side terminals.

8. Connect the black wire from one of the light circuits to one of the load side terminals, and tighten it down. Connect the second light circuit to the other load terminal in the same manner.

9. Connect one black feed line to one of the line side terminals, and tighten it down. If you have two feed circuits, connect the second one to the other line side terminal in the same manner.

10. Wrap the terminals on the double toggle light switch with electrical tape. Carefully push it back into the wall box. Secure it to the wall box, and install the cover plate.

11. Turn the circuit breaks back, on and test your new installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Always test your tester on a circuit that you know is working before you test the circuit on which you will be working to ensure the tester is functioning properly.

• Don't forget to remove the metal line side bridge if you are using two feeds, otherwise 240 volts will be fed to the lighting circuits.