One of the most common electrical installations around the home is a double light switch. Designed to control two lights from one switch, double light switches require a specific wiring diagram to ensure that they are wired properly. In this article, we explain how to wire a double light switch by providing a comprehensive guide to wiring diagrams for double light switches.
The first and most important thing to remember when wiring a double light switch is that the two switches must be wired in the same manner, as the wiring must be consistent. This means that the wiring for each switch must be identical, with the same colors for the same wires.
The wiring diagram for a double light switch is quite simple. In most cases, the diagram will consist of two sets of lines, one for each switch. The lines will be labeled with the color of the wires that connect to each switch, such as black, white, and green.
The first step in wiring a double light switch is to connect the two switches together. This is done by connecting the black wire from one switch to the black wire of the other switch. This will ensure that the two switches are connected and will work together to control the lights.
Once the two switches are connected, the next step is to connect the white wires. The white wires are the “neutral” wires that connect to the light itself. Connect the white wires from each switch to the white wires of the light.
Finally, the last step is to connect the green wires. The green wires are the ground wires, which connect to the ground of the home’s electrical system. Connect the green wires from each switch to the green wires of the light.
Once all the wires are connected, the double light switch is ready to be wired. Make sure to double check all the connections before turning the power back on, and that all the wires are connected securely.
In some cases, the wiring diagram for a double light switch may require additional connections. For example, if the switch is being used to control two lights that are in different rooms, additional wires may be needed to connect the second switch to the lights in the other room. In this case, the additional wires must be connected in the same manner as the other wires.
Now that you know how to wire a double light switch, you can install the switch with confidence. Remember to double check all the wiring connections and that all the wires are connected securely before turning the power back on.
Installing a double light switch is an easy and straightforward task. By following the wiring diagram for a double light switch, you can be sure that your switch will be wired properly and will work correctly. Just remember to double check all the wiring connections and that all the wires are connected securely before turning the power back on.
