Basic Instructions on How to Wire a Double Light Switch in My Home

Connecting two switches to a single source provides power for two devices.

Wiring a double light switch on a single source wire is done using parallel circuit. This provides two switches with electricity to control separate devices. The process is simple once you understand each wire's job. The black wire delivers the power from the distribution panel to the device. The white wire provides the path back to the source, completing the circuit. The green or bare wire is the ground connection and provides a back-up safety system.

Things You'll Need

• Non-contact voltage detector
• Wire strippers
• Wire cutters
• 14/3-gauge wire
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Wire nuts

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the wires you are working on at the distribution panel. Confirm the power is off by touching a non-contact voltage detector to the insulation of the wires.

2. Cut two lengths of 14/3-gauge wire to go from each switch to the source wire from the distribution panel.

3. Strip 3/8 inches of insulation off both ends of the two wires as well as the three conductors coming from the electrical panel.

4. Loosen the terminals on both switches with a screwdriver. Wrap the black wire from one section of 14/3 wire to the bottom right terminal of the switch and tighten it down. Wrap the green wire around the grounding terminal and tighten it down. Repeat this process with the other switch and 14/3-gauge wire.

5. Twist together the two black wires from the switches with the black wire from the distribution panel with pliers. Install a wire nut on top.

6. Twist together the two white wires from the switches with the white wire from the distribution panel with pliers. Install a wire nut on top.

7. Twist together the two green or bare wires from the switches with the green or bare wire from the distribution panel with pliers. Install a wire nut on top.

Tips & Warnings

• To deliver power from each switch to the device, connect a 14/2-gauge black wire to the top right terminal of the switch and wire the two wires together.

References

• Electrical Online: Light Switch Diagram
• Northwestern Energy: Parallel Circuits