For instance, there may not be any white wires. The wiring you see may not match what I've described. The wires here connect this local switch to the other in box 1 across the room. A second bundle (four-wire) should contain three colored wires (black, white, red) and a copper (bare). These link the switch to your light fixture.
#SINGLE POLE VS 3 WAY SWITCH PLUS#
One three-wire bundle will have two colored wires (black, white) plus one of bare copper.
Besides their direction of entry the wires are constructed the same way.
Here, both wire bundles should enter the electrical box from its top side. They connect the switch in this box to the other switch in box 2.īox 2. The other 4-wire bundle will enter the box from the top and have three colored wires (black, white, red) and a copper (bare) one. These wires come from your home's main electrical panel (usually in the basement below) and provide power to your lighting circuit. This three-wire bundle should consist of two colored wires (black, white) plus one of bare copper. In box 1, one of the wire bundles enters the box from the bottom. It will help you deduce their origin and ultimately identify them.īox 1. If so then the direction wires enter each box is important. Let's call each box "Box 1" and "Box 2." We'll also assume that, like mine, the boxes you're working inside are on a floor above the basement. Inside each of the two electrical boxes you should see two bundles of wires. This step-by-step is reflective of a common wiring scenario and the one in my own home. I must stress that there are many possible ways a set of three-way light switches can be connected. Decorative switches include styles that rock, turn, or slide rather than toggle.You should now have a good view inside each box. Other special-duty switches can be time-programmed or let you know whether a remote light is on or off. In addition to the familiar toggle and rotary switches, specialty switches can do everything from turning on when you walk into a room to varying the speed of whole-house fans. However, for a fan or fluorescent light, you should buy a special switch rated to control those devices. You can usually replace any single-pole switch with a dimmer. These control a light from two or three switch locations, such as at the top and bottom of a stairwell, at either end of a hallway, or in a large room with multiple entrances.Ī dimmer switch controls a light's intensity. A three-way switch has three terminals a four-way has four. The most common household switch, a single-pole, has two terminals and simply turns power on or off. Here are the basic types of switches and dimmers.
#SINGLE POLE VS 3 WAY SWITCH INSTALL#
Take a look at our guide to switches and dimmers to pick the right lighting option for your room.īe sure to select a switch that's compatible with the circuit where you want to install it and your lighting needs. After choosing the perfect chandelier, pendant, or recessed lighting for your home makeover, make sure you pick the right electrical switch for your needs. Turning it off breaks the circuit, as the switch creates a gap that stops the flow. However, the basic function always remains the same: Turn a switch on and it completes the circuit, letting electricity flow through it. With different switch styles, wiring needs, and programmable capabilities, the wide variety of light switches and dimmers can be tricky to navigate. Light switches, once a simple decision, are now a home improvement category boasting a number of designs and functions.
0 kommentar(er)
