Knowledge Builders

can you change a single light switch to a double

by Shany Lynch Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

A single light switch that controls two fixtures, such as two lights or a light and a bathroom or ceiling fan, can be converted to a double light switch that allows you to operate each fixture independently. If each fixture has a separate cable running to the switch, this is a fairly simple task.

How to wire 3 way switch with multiple lights?

  • Connect a black, or hot, wire from each of the three fixtures to the top screw on the right side of each switch. Tighten each screw.
  • Connect the black wire from the power supply to all three of the black pigtails. ...
  • Connect each black pigtail to the bottom screw on each of the three switches.

How to wire a 2 light switch?

Power from the Lights

  • Connect the loop of the bare wire in a hook shape to both box and the switch.
  • Now, connect the loop of the black wire to the terminal at the bottom of the switch.
  • Connect the white wire in a hook shape at the top of the switch’s terminal.
  • Insert the configuration inside the box, tight the screw, and again turn ON the light to check.

How to replace a 3 way light switch?

To replace a three-way switch, follow these steps:

  • Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel.
  • Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.
  • Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached. ...
  • Remove the wires from the switch.

More items...

How to change a dimmer switch to regular switch?

  • Go to your favorite hardware store and buy the dimmer switch (talk to an associate for guidance) and another wall plate, if desired. ...
  • Return to your home, open the package and re-read the nerdy explanations, reminding yourself what tools you need from your shop, drawer, or neighbors, and get them.
  • Remove the switch plate. Turn the light on. ...

image

How do you convert a single switch to a double switch?

0:145:37How to Add an Extra Light Switch In a One Switch Location ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what i did here is put some tape on the wall i take an old work double gang. Box. And i flip itMoreSo what i did here is put some tape on the wall i take an old work double gang. Box. And i flip it upside down and basically i want to trace the remaining. Space on the wall. So i cover the hole.

How do you split a light switch into two?

3 AnswersGet a 2-gang box to replace your existing 1-gang box.Get a new switch.Remove your existing box and install the 2-gang box in its place.Run your supply hot wire to both switches.Connect the light/fan hot wire to one switch and the exterior light to the other.Join all neutrals and ground wires.

Can I change a single light switch to a double UK?

It is quite acceptable to change the single switch to a twin switch to control the new outside light. You will have to add some additional wiring, as it is most likely the existing garage light control switch will just have a permenant live supply and a return switch line back to the light fitting.

Can I use a two way switch instead of a one way?

1. One-way switches only have two terminals while two-way switches have three. 2. A two-way switch can be used to control a light from two locations while a one-way switch cannot.

How do I add a second light switch to an existing circuit?

0:219:39Second Light Switch (2-way to 3-way conversion) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd see where that goes then i'll draw drill an additional hole about an inch and a half behind thisMoreAnd see where that goes then i'll draw drill an additional hole about an inch and a half behind this that will go up through the stud. And it will go into this bay.

Can I spur off a light switch?

Wrongly wiring a new light fitting can be dangerous and can cause electrocution. This is how you spur off a light fitting: Isolate the power supply from the consumer unit, and isolate the complete consumer unit by turning off the incoming mains switch.

Do you need an electrician to change a light switch UK?

Do I need an electrician to replace a light switch? No. If you're replacing a broken light switch or a like-for-like one, it's a simple task that only requires you to know how to safely isolate the circuit and some basic tools.

How do you install a double light switch UK?

1:514:05How to Replace a 2 Gang Switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext remove the l1 wire from the old switch. And attach to the l1 terminal in the new switch. AndMoreNext remove the l1 wire from the old switch. And attach to the l1 terminal in the new switch. And finally if there's an l2 wire present for two ways switching.

What is the difference between a single pole and a double pole light switch?

Both single pole and double pole switches can be either single or double throw. A pole refers to the number of separate circuits a switch can control, a single pole switch can operate one circuit whereas a double pole switch can control two circuits. A throw refers to how many positions can be activated by a switch.

What is the difference between a 2 way switch and a 3 way switch?

A two-way switch turns lights on or off from one location only. Light can be turned on or off from 2 locations with a three-way switch.

What's the difference between a 1 way and 2 way pull switch?

The one-way switch has two contacts and the two-way switch has three contacts. In a two-way switch, there are two, one-way switches combined in one. One of the terminals can be connected to either of the two, but not both at the same time.

How do you wire up a 2 way switch?

2:557:05Two Way Switching Explained - How to wire 2 way light switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe need to place a brown sleeve at each end to warm this is intermittently live lastly to completeMoreWe need to place a brown sleeve at each end to warm this is intermittently live lastly to complete the circuit we connect terminal l2 back to the supply for the light fitting.

How do you split a light circuit?

1:424:34Basics: Adding a Light to An Existing Circuit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll want to just cut off the copper and start again it's always best practice to do thatMoreYou'll want to just cut off the copper and start again it's always best practice to do that sometimes the cable is new enough that you can manipulate the cores again without them breaking on you.

How do you wire a switch to two control lights?

Run your cable from the first light to the second light. Connect the black wire from the switch to the black wire from the first light and the black wire coming from the second light. Attach the white from the second light to the white from the power supply.

Can one switch control 2 circuits?

Double pole light switches, also known as a four-way switch, are two single pole switches put together. Two separate circuits are controlled by one switch. This is typically used to control a circuit from multiple locations in a series of three switches on one circuit.

How do you separate light circuits?

Run 12-gauge electrical cable between each switch and the light it controls. Pull one end of each cable through the back of one of the light fixture electrical boxes. Strip both ends of each cable with a knife, separate the wires and remove 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of each.

Step 1: Connecting Appliances

Shelly 1L, behind the key will act as an intermediary between the key itself, which will be connected only to it (Sx, SW1, SW2) and the other two Shelly.

Step 2: Connecting the Switch

We connect Sx from Shelly 1L to L on the key, SW1 to first key, and SW2 to the other one.

Step 3: Setup

I will first set up Shelly 1L and the other two Shelly. We connect them to WiFi and update the firmware using the Shelly Cloud App.

Can you change a single light switch to a twin light switch?

It is quite acceptable to change the single switch to a twin switch to control the new outside light.

Can I run a 6647 light?

6647. Hi, Yes it is possible. Depending on the wiring arrangement at the switch you might only need to run one cable from the switch to your new light ( that is if there is a neutral present at the garage switch ).

Do you have to have a nuetral in a light switch?

Depends wether or not you have a nu etral in the light switch, If it has been originally wired with the feed through the switch then yes. If the feed goes to the light and just a switch wire to the switch (Perminent live, Switch live & earth) then you will have to install a nuetral to either the switch or outside light.

Can I replace the cable from the garage light to the switch?

It is possible it may need the cable replacing from the garage light to the switch depending on whether the feed is going to the light or the switch. You can tell by the amount of cables going to the switch. I hope this helps

What happens to the whites in a switch box?

In the switch box, all of the whites (neutrals) continue to be connected.

What is the black wire on a switch?

More than likely, one of the lower black wires is the hot source, and it is connected to the other lower black to power another box, and is also connected to the existing switch. The upper black was probably also connected to the switch asn was hot when the switch is on and not hot (open) when the switch is off.

RICHARD1960

I would like to wire a new light to my big cupboard next to my utility room. There is an existing single light switch supply for the utility room. I can run cable from the new light to the single switch supply of the utility room and change the single switch to a double.

Steve

no you have no neutral at that switch. The feed to the new light needs to be taken from another light.

DIYnot Local

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Why do you need a double pole switch?

In higher ratings, a double pole switch is ideal because it has more room for thicker wires. In essence, wiring a single pole and double pole switch are similar. However, you have to keep in mind that the red wires go on one side of the switch and the black wires on the other.

How many amps does a double pole switch use?

A double pole switch is usually rated at 30 amps, twice than a standard switch rated at 15-20 amps. These switches make it possible to safely isolate appliances. As mentioned, double pole wiring is used for heavy-load appliances like showers and cookers.

What is a Single-Pole Switch?

As far as switches go, the single-pole switch is the go-to workhorse for general purposes. This type of switch is used to operate lights, fans, or any other device from a single location. The switch only controls the flow of the current in one direction.

What Are Electrical Switches Anyway?

Electrical switches are used to interrupt the electrical flow in a circuit. Essentially, a switch is a binary mechanism: it’s either completely closed (ON) or open (OFF). Switches are used on anything that operates using electricity.

How many hot wires are in a double pole?

Double pole wiring has four hot wires attached to it: two black and two red. One pair of black and red wire connects to the power supply’s switch. The other outgoing pair of wires feed the device. When the switch is toggled, the current is cut to both circuits at the same time.

What color are the terminals on a single pole switch?

Under the hood, single-pole switches come with two brass-colored screw terminals that connect to the power source wires. On a side note, the power source or hot wires are black in color. One of the terminals is for the incoming power source wire while the other terminal accommodates the outgoing hot wire.

Why do light switches need to be grounded?

Light switches are grounded to add another layer of protection against shocks, electrocution, and fire. Even if the ground wire isn’t properly connected, the switch will still work. Grounding is all about safety.

What happens if you don't turn off the RCD switch?

And, as Dudds says, if you don't turn off the main RCD switch, then you'll jump out of your skin when you touch pretty much any combination of wires - your CU will go ' CLUNK '!

Can you fit a conversion pattress?

If the cables are long enough and you do not mind a surface box, you could fit a conversion pattress.

Can you flip a fuse back after you have finished?

If you have an RCD protecting a bank of fuses/breakers at your fuse board then it will trip when you touch the neutral even after you have powered down the circuit. Don't worry you can just flip it back when you have finished but bear in mind it might cut off other circuits protected by that RCD. Removing the fuse is a good idea if there's a chance someone would turn it back on without knowing you were working on it.

image

1.How to Make a Double Light Switch From a Single Light …

Url:https://www.hunker.com/12281063/how-to-make-a-double-light-switch-from-a-single-light-switch

17 hours ago  · A single light switch that controls two fixtures, such as two lights or a light and a bathroom or ceiling fan, can be converted to a double light switch that allows you to operate …

2.Replace a Single Switch With a Double Without a Second …

Url:https://www.instructables.com/Replace-a-Single-Switch-With-a-Double-Without-a-Se/

27 hours ago Luckily, we live in 21st century and products which can simulate a double-switch even in case we have a single wire exist. To complicate matters further, we do not have a neutral cable behind …

3.Videos of Can You Change a Single Light Switch to a Double

Url:/videos/search?q=can+you+change+a+single+light+switch+to+a+double&qpvt=can+you+change+a+single+light+switch+to+a+double&FORM=VDRE

35 hours ago A- you can go either way. The problem if you use a second single box is you'll have to place it far enough away that each can have it's own switchplate. You'll not be able to place them close …

4.Changing single light switch to double - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2638656/changing-single-light-switch-to-double

6 hours ago Yes it is possible. Depending on the wiring arrangement at the switch you might only need to run one cable from the switch to your new light ( that is if there is a neutral present at the garage …

5.Changind single light switch to a double? - MyBuilder

Url:https://www.mybuilder.com/questions/v/1512/changind-single-light-switch-to-a-double

13 hours ago  · I can run cable from the new light to the single switch supply of the utility room and change the single switch to a double. I have bought a double switch which on the back of …

6.How can I replace a single switch with two switches?

Url:https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/29608/how-can-i-replace-a-single-switch-with-two-switches

34 hours ago If you’re using a 120V power supply, you only need a single-pole switch. If you want to be able to operate a light switch in two locations (e.g. up and down the stairs), use double pole wiring. If …

7.Change single to a double light switch | DIYnot Forums

Url:https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/change-single-to-a-double-light-switch.86192/

12 hours ago  · Just want to swap a single-switched socket to a double, and wondered if it's just a case of dropping the power at the fuse box and changing like-forl-ike with the wiring at tbe …

8.What Is The Difference Between A Single And Double …

Url:https://upgradedhome.com/single-and-double-pole-switch/

10 hours ago A single light switch that controls two fixtures, such as two lights or a light and a bathroom or ceiling fan, can be converted to a double light switch that allows you to operate each fixture …

9.Changing a single socket to a double - Screwfix …

Url:https://community.screwfix.com/threads/changing-a-single-socket-to-a-double.183923/

25 hours ago  · This is how you can use a double pole switch as a single pole : Either you can do it yourself or take help of an expert. Start by shutting off the power of the area you are working …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9