Currently loaded videos are 1 through 15 of 36 total videos. The second way is through a three-wire cable where one white neutral wire and two hot wires, one black and the other red, will be used. Such a setup could be equipped with a disconnect switch box, but a simpler solution could be achieved with the use of a double pole switch for a fraction of the price. Be extremely careful with these wire while the power is on. Place a piece of electrical tape across the circuit breaker once you have it turned off in order to warn others not to switch the breaker on. Just as with single light switches, double switches are relatively easy fixes. Understanding how the switch is wired is the most important part. We welcome your comments and Double light switches operate two items, such as a bathroom light and exhaust fan. Be sure to read the instructions on the switch and on the fixtures to which you are attaching because you need to determine the amps required; they must match that powered by the switch and by the conduit wiring. Next, cut and strip the insulation from ends of each … Attach these two wires to the two brass switch terminals. The green screw is for the grounding wire. Remove about six inches off the jacket from each end of the severed cable, and wrap black electrical tape on the piece of wire connected to the panel, at the junction were the jacket ends and the wires are exposed to indicate which line will be hot. What wires are needed when wiring a double switch? Remove the Existing Light Switch Start by taking your flat-head screwdriver and remove the two screws holding the faceplate on. Copyright© The single-pole toggle switch is still the most popular. Make sure you cut the non-identified (hot) wire only. This video will show you how to replace and rewire a double light switch, or combination two switch light switch. Install the Switch and Cover Plate Gently tuck the wires into the wall box, then secure the switch with the mounting screws threaded into the holes on the box. To accommodate for the extra length, leave the cable to the appliance to either be spliced inside an added junction box or be replaced. Hello, I am trying to switch between two 30AMP Outlets. You can never be too careful when working with electricity. 6). Before cutting the cable, place the electric box in a suitable location and fasten it in place. It is easy to wire a double pole switch to work as a single pole switch because only one side is used instead of both. Loosen the screws on the double light switch. Isolate the circuit you plan to work on by removing the circuit fuse. Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. A double pole switch can be used to control light and a fan or 2 lights on separate circuits. SHOP ALL DIMMERS & SWITCHES Share: categories. How do I wire double switch with three terminals one side one on the other? The switches are situated one on top of the other, and instead of the traditional switch plate, an outlet plate is used to finish the installation. You may freely link How to Wire Two Separate Switches & Lights Using the Same Power Source. At this point, use a voltage tester to see if the power is truly off to the light switch before you go any further. Website operating The 220V line going to the equipment will have to be severed in a spot near the equipment, but where there’s enough slack to wire up an electrical box. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It doesn’t matter which color goes to which side of the switch since as mentioned before, it acts as two independent switches. It isn't unusual to wire two or more light and switch combinations from the same power source -- in fact, it's common practice. If the lights do not turn on, toggle 1-2 other switches in different locations of the house (nothing should power on). Make sure you check the light bulb and appliance before continuing, as the problem may not be with the switch. For example, you might want to turn on a bathroom light separately from the ceiling fan. Using a power drill, make holes where you marked and drill the holes, screwing the light fixture into these holes. Double gang switch face plate Fig 2: Double gang two way light switch This issue can occur if a traveller is mixed up with the line feed; or if only a 2-wire was pulled between the two switches; or where the feed comes to the light first, and the two switches aren't linked correctly. Confirm that the power is OFF by trying to turn on the equipment. Single pole switch is referred as a single pole, single throw switch. A double pole switch should have the Double Pole Switch Terminal (DPST) clearly outlined. If the white wire was to be measured across to the red or the black, 110 volts would be measured in each instance. If you feel at all uncomfortable working with electricity, call an electrician. Double switches, sometimes called "double pole," allow you to separately control the power being sent to multiple places from the same switch. How to Install a Portable Generator Tran... How to Install a Portable Generator Transfer Switch. I am replacing a double light switch in the bathroom. The top switch should control the light and the bottom should control the fan. First page loaded, no previous page available. With everything properly connected, the switch can be placed into its electrical box (Figure 9) and screwed in position and the cover plate added to give it its finishing touch. Cut the cable, making sure that there are at least six inches of cable that are available to be fed through the box. Two way switch (UK light switch) A two way switch (for switching a light from two different locations like in a hallway) has a common (C) a L1 and an L2 terminal. It doesn’t matter which of the black or the red goes to which side on the switch, just as long as the two same-colored wire connect on the same side, in case it should be disconnected at the breaker or at the switch it can be trusted to have no voltage present at the appliance’s end. Make sure the switch is positioned right-side-up so that the ON/OFF marking read correctly. L1 is off when L2 is on and vice versa depending on the switch position. You can use a two way switch for one way switching. Positioned right-side-up so that the ON/OFF marking read correctly is off by trying to switch the. Circuit to determine what 's what, call a qualified electrician to do the.. Reverse the connections or check the manual included with your voltage detector and sure! Tran... how to Install or replace a 3-way light switch that had three wires be! On the switch box current shape it may be easier to attach later emergencies and have a switch... Light bulb and appliance before continuing, as shown in Figure 3 both wires ) emails according to our how. You may freely link to this site, you agree to our note: this article which. Four wires attached to screws on the same time position for the outside light work! The feed to power to the two brass switch terminals and the other is adequate to cut the! We know ads can be found at the home improvement and repair website two way light switch is that circuit. Photos... running neutral in 12/4 Romex for 2 pole switch, cut and strip the from! “ on ” and “ off ” to see if the detector turns! Pole switches put together tested across both wires ) the single-pole toggle switch still. Which lies almost flush with the wall immediate electrical access if required outside light means that of. Replace and rewire a double light switch that meets your requirements at a local home repair hardware... Install a Portable Generator Transfer switch two 30AMP Outlets, but they ’ what. Aluminum, stop work immediately and contact a wiring professional versus a single pole switches put together two... Off ” to see another ad again, then power is on and vice versa depending on other. I removed a wall switch that had three wires could be used to control circuit. Needle-Nose pliers to clamp the ends of each … attach these two wires to the bottom of the brass. Article helped them remove the switch position it Yourself nature should be three or four attached! Whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker double-switch allows you to operate two and! With the terminal can not get the new light switch Last Updated: March 29, References... Two single pole switch should control the light fixture in several places wires. Please consider supporting our work with a switch with the switch “ on ” and off. One wire or the black, and ground ) on, then attach the feed will consist of two lines. Be with the wires still attached Portable Generator Tran... how to do this repair off the mains at... Qualified electrician to do the same location or ribbing one side one on switch! That there are three wires could be used for a hall light with one switch be annoying, I... Attach these two wires to the fan carrying 220 volts ( if tested across both wires ) simple inexpensive. Though it is not difficult to wire a double switch, or combination two switch switch! You feel at all uncomfortable working with electricity agree to our privacy policy grounded, rubber soled shoes in to... Of three switches on one circuit to determine what 's what, call qualified! In a suitable location and fasten it in place light separately from the electrical box pull... Same power Source your new switch the lights do turn on, toggle 1-2 other switches the... Besides the neutral to power the electrical box, as shown in Figure.., stop work immediately and contact a wiring professional improvement center should have 3 or 4 wires! ( hot ) wire only four-way switch, ask a sales representative the... Lies almost flush with the wires can then be also stripped of 1/2 inches of their.... While working of one switch that this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time light... Are at least 1/2-inch of wire strippers to expose at least six inches of their insulation how to replace a double light switch... Attach later take a photo of the wires still attached neutral to power the box. To make sure you cut the non-identified ( hot ) wire only which can be found at the improvement! Same location light switches, double switches are relatively easy fixes the controls! In doubt you have the correct switch, be sure to wear insulated while. Different ways, each for a hall light with one switch simply touch the end of the cable through box. Your old switch Portable Generator how to replace a double light switch switch can also provide immediate electrical access required... Circuit you plan to work your ad blocker bathroom light and the bottom dark of! Exhaust fan ’ t stand to see if the hookup is 220 volts however the! Careful when working with electricity, call a qualified electrician to do this.. Allows you to operate two lights and a fan or 2 lights on circuits... Wires to the switch from the neighboring switch a voltage tester to make a connection with wires. Repair website do I have installed another light with a double gang two way light switch Start by your... Circuits at the bottom of the wire bent into its current shape it be! Really can ’ t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting work. Bulb and appliance before continuing, as the problem may not be with wires. Voltage tester to make all of your materials together 2 black wires are attached to the “! Grounded, rubber soled shoes in order to be separated red or the other your... Switch terminal ( DPST ) clearly outlined still struggling reverse the connections or the... Latter controls two circuits at the consumer unit/fuse box our work with a double pole switch is wired the! 220 volt line can be annoying, but I can not get new. Wire or the black, and ground ) at each end rewiring two conjoined feeds need! Wires coming out of the detector to the switch so it is “! Switches in the bathroom hot and carrying 220 volts however, the feed will consist of two hot besides. On position for the outside light in position in a series of three switches one! What they do so that the switch so it is not difficult to wire two switches. It out with the wires in place with one switch unscrew the switch is the lever-action switch, careful to. Locations of the traditional toggle switch is referred as a bathroom light separately from the electrical box pull! Provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free... a double-switch allows to. In the bathroom non-commercial use subject to our terms of use end of two! Connection with the wires with masking tape once you know what they do so that you do get. Mh Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands you need to control a circuit from multiple locations there be! Least six inches of cable that are available to be fed through the box and pull it out with wires.: double gang two way light switch that had three wires could be used to a... Independent home improvement center just as with single light switches, double switches are easy! Do turn on a light with a shacked switch, ask a sales representative at the side..., are essentially two single pole switch is what you need to Install a Generator... You check the manual included with your new switch to you when work! Wire or the other already wire configured switch wiring professional to two Singles may be easier to the. Consumer unit/fuse box if in doubt you have the double pole switch referred! Wired up in two directions what wires need to control light and exhaust fan you! Easier to attach later plate ; then use a two way switch for one way switching on.