How to Install the Switch
- Purchase Switch. Several sizes of in-line cord switches are available at hardware stores, home centers and lamp specialty stores.
- Polarized Plug. Connect an in-line switch only to a cord with a polarized plug. ...
- Slit the Cord Where You Want the Switch. To prepare the cord for the new switch. ...
- Slice the Smooth Wire. ...
- Attach the Switch
How do you wire a toggle switch with wire?
1 Determine the gauge of the existing wire and obtain a wire of the same color and gauge. 2 Cut a piece of the wire long enough to reach from the cut end of the supply wire to the toggle switch. 3 Strip 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of insulation from each end of this piece of wire. More items...
How do I install an in-line switch?
Consult the instruction sheet before installation. Connect an in-line switch only to a cord with a polarized plug. A polarized plug has one prong wider than the other so you can only insert it one way into an outlet. To prepare the cord for the new switch. Make sure you cut the non-identified (hot) wire only.
How do you wire an ON/OFF switch with neutral wire?
Take the bottom half of the switch and place it on your work surface with the on/off switch pointing away from you. Lay the white Neutral wire in the trough below the brass bits and make sure that it's long enough -- the cut cord ends should rest on the ribbed plastic where the small clamps go.
How do I connect an in-line switch to a polarized plug?
Connect an in-line switch only to a cord with a polarized plug. A polarized plug has one prong wider than the other so you can only insert it one way into an outlet. To prepare the cord for the new switch. Make sure you cut the non-identified (hot) wire only. It's the one without any indentations or ribbing.
How do you install an inline toggle switch?
1:252:46In Line Cord Switch Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure the knife did not slice through to the inner wire. Strands. Next take the bottom half ofMoreMake sure the knife did not slice through to the inner wire. Strands. Next take the bottom half of the switch. And press in the ribbed neutral wire in the top. Channel.
How do you wire a 3 core inline switch?
1:093:54How to Wire a 3-Way Switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you're going to connect the neutral wire from the power coming in to the neutral wire in theMoreNow you're going to connect the neutral wire from the power coming in to the neutral wire in the common cable between the two switches. Now you're going to connect the red wire and the black wire.
How do you wire a 2 prong toggle switch?
0:582:31How To Wire A 2 Prong On/Off Toggle Switch - Rocker Switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAround. What you're gonna do is you're going to take one. Positive either from battery or if you'reMoreAround. What you're gonna do is you're going to take one. Positive either from battery or if you're using a fuse jumper. Take your positive hook it to one side. And then take another positive line and
How do you wire up a 3 prong toggle switch?
0:345:21HOW TO WIRE 3 PRONG ROCKER LED SWITCH - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you have to do is ground the wire from whatever it is that you're trying to wire up that solvesMoreAll you have to do is ground the wire from whatever it is that you're trying to wire up that solves one of the wires. The other positive wire will go to this yellow wire.
What happens if you wire 3-way switch wrong?
If you don't correctly connect this wire, then your lights won't work from more than one switch. Grounding the switch: You'll also need to locate the ground wire and connect it to the switch too. This wire is essential as it prevents stray currents from electrocuting surrounding possessions, and family members.
What is the common wire in a 3-way switch?
Black wireBlack wire: This is a hot wire that carries electricity from the power source to the first switch in a typical 3-way setup. It's also called the “common wire” or the “line wire.” Unless the breaker is off, this black wire is always hot.
Does a toggle switch need to be grounded?
Grounding light switches have become commonplace, used as a preventative safety measure. It is perfectly legal to wire a light switch without the inclusion of a ground. Dimmers will require a ground wire but traditional toggle-type switches will not. Omitting a ground wire on any switch is not recommended.
How does a 2 way toggle switch work?
They typically have two terminals. One is for input, the other for output. In one position the switch is 'Open' and no connection is made, and no power can flow to the accessory. In the other position the two terminals are connected and power can flow through.
What is a two way toggle switch?
A two-way switch, or a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch, can be used as a selector to switch between two circuits or signal paths in devices ranging from electric guitars to car engines.
Why do toggle switches have 3 prongs?
Rocker Switch Wiring Diagram As shown below, rocker switches have 3 electrical connections. Pin 1 is where the rocker switch receives the input power. Pin 2 is where the accessory that the switch is going to turn on is connected. Pin 3 is where the switch is either connected to ground or left open.
How does a 3-way toggle switch work?
What is a 3-way switch? A 3-way switch is one that allows you to control a ceiling light (or other electrical fixture) from two separate locations. Common scenarios would be 3-way switches located at both the top and bottom of a stairway, or having 3-way switches next to doors in a room with two entry points.
How do you wire a 3 prong plug?
1:092:30How To Wire a Grounded Cord Plug End - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe'll start with the ground by loosening the green screw in the green conductors copper strandedMoreWe'll start with the ground by loosening the green screw in the green conductors copper stranded wire into a clockwise hub shape slide the copper wire between the screw.
How do you hook up a toggle switch to a light fixture?
3:187:52How to add a switch to a light fixture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we can add the switch to it we're just using a black a white. And then a ground wire this has gotMoreSo we can add the switch to it we're just using a black a white. And then a ground wire this has got three three connectors in it so that's all we need now. I've taken this is the original.
How do you hook up a toggle switch to a light?
2:0811:33Wiring offroad leds to a toggle switch! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I don't make more sense once I get it all set up and going but so first thing you want to do isMoreSo I don't make more sense once I get it all set up and going but so first thing you want to do is find where you are putting your toggle switch which I have done and then start running the wires.
Is the O or line on or off?
(1 or | means on.) IEC 60417-5008, the power-off symbol (circle) on a button or toggle, indicates that using the control will disconnect power to the device. (0 or ◯ means off.) IEC 60417-5009, the standby symbol (line partially within a broken circle), indicates a sleep mode or low power state.
How do you wire an on and off switch?
0:1114:48120 Volt On/Off Light Switch How to Hook Up or Wire Up - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure your breakers are off. If you've got to vote meter check it even after the breakers offMoreMake sure your breakers are off. If you've got to vote meter check it even after the breakers off that away you know for sure you've got the correct breaker turned. Off.
SPST Toggle Switch Wiring
We will now go over the wiring diagram of a SPST Toggle Switch. Below is the wiring schematic diagram for connecting a SPST toggle switch:SPST Togg...
SPDT Toggle Switch Wiring
We will now go over the wiring diagram of a SPDT Toggle Switch.Below is the schematic diagram of the wiring for connecting a SPDT toggle switch:SPD...
DPDT Toggle Switch Wiring
We will now go over the wiring diagram of a DPDT Toggle Switch.Below is the schematic diagram of the wiring for connecting a DPDT toggle switch:DPD...
What are the terminals of a toggle switch?
Terminals 3 and 4 represent the toggle switch. These terminals receive the power necessary to drive the loads on terminals 1 and 5 and 2 and 6. Terminals 3 can flip between terminals 1 and 5. So if a fan is connected to terminal 1 and a motor is connected to terminal 5, terminal 3, representing the toggle switch, ...
What is a toggle switch?
The toggle switch is a switch that can play crucial switching roles in circuits. A SPST toggle switch can act as a simple ON-OFF switch in a circuit. While SPDT and DPDT toggle switches can flip different devices on or off in a cirucit.
How many switches can a DPDT switch control?
A DPDT switch has 2 input switches which can each connect to one of 2 terminals. Therefore, it can control 4 different circuits, or devices, with 2 switches. An example circuit of a DPDT toggle switch is shown below: With the circuit above, you can see that we can flip between 4 different circuits with 2 switches.
How many terminals does a SPST switch have?
You can see that a SPST toggle switch only has 2 terminals. 1 terminal is for the input. The other terminal is for the output.
What happens when you flip a switch to the left?
When we flip the switch to the left (terminal 1), the DC fan runs while the DC motor does not. When we flip the switch to the right (terminal 3), the DC motor runs while the fan does not. You can see that in this way, with a SPDT switch, we can control 2 different circuits or devices.
What is the difference between terminal 1 and terminal 3?
Terminal 1 can connect up to any load to power a certain device. And terminal 3 can connect to any load to power any device. Terminal 2 is the terminal which receives the power necessary so that the loads on terminals 1 and 3 can be powered. So a SPDT switch can power either one of 2 circuits.
Can a SPDT switch power two circuits?
So a SPDT switch can power either one of 2 circuits. It can flip between the 2 circuits so that just by the flip of the switch, different circuits, or devices, can be powered. An example circuit of a SPDT toggle switch is shown below: In this circuit, we connect our 9-volt DC power source to terminal 2.
How to ensure a toggle switch is working?
To ensure you select the right toggle switch, check with the manufacturer or ask a salesperson to help you. Ensure that the switch is compatible with the device you intend to use it for. Read through the instructions or paperwork that come with the switch to make sure it will work for your purposes.
How to measure a toggle switch?
Measure the diameter of the switch bushing that will protrude through the panel. To accommodate your toggle switch, you'll usually need to create a suitably-sized and shaped hole in the paneling or housing of your device. Measure the dimensions of your switch bushing (the part of the switch in which the "lever" is seated) so that you'll know how large to make your hole.
How to determine if a toggle switch has a pole or a throw?
1. Select a switch with the appropriate number of "poles" and "throws" for your purpose. In electrical terminology, a toggle switch can have one or more "poles" and "throws.". A pole refers to the number of circuits controlled by the switch—usually, this is the number of outwardly-visible "levers" on the switch.
What is a pigtail wire?
Add a pigtail if either end of the wire does not reach the switch. A pigtail is a short length of wire (usually about 6 inches (15 cm)) with both ends stripped. It can be connected to wires that aren't quite long enough to reach your toggle switch as a sort of "extender." Add a pigtail as follows:
How to connect pigtail wire to supply wire?
Connect one end of the pigtail wire to the supply wire by twisting the ends of the wires together clockwise. Twist a wire nut of the proper size clockwise over the wire joint until the wire nut is tight.
Why do you need to add a toggle switch in the middle of a break?
At this point, you've made a break in the device's supply wire, you'll need to add your toggle switch in the middle of the break so that it can regulate the flow of electricity through the circuit. The way you do this depends on the type of toggle switch you have. See below:
What is toggle switch?
A toggle switch is an electrical component that controls the flow of electricity through a circuit using a mechanical lever that is manually switched. Though toggle switches come in several varieties, in their simplest form, they're essentially on-off switches for whatever circuit they're wired to. Usually, toggle switches are installed in devices that lack a pre-existing means for regulating an add-on's operation. For example, a person might install a toggle switch in their car to operate an aftermarket interior LED light system.
How to cut hot wire?
Make sure you cut the non-identified (hot) wire only. It's the one without any indentations or ribbing. Use a small pocketknife to make a 3/4-in. slit at the desired switch location. Note that you could also use a utility knife. Do not cut into the individual wire sheathing. Step 4.
What is polarized plug?
Polarized Plug. Connect an in-line switch only to a cord with a polarized plug. A polarized plug has one prong wider than the other so you can only insert it one way into an outlet.
What is a three way switch?
Three-way switches will have traveler screws or connection points. These will be wired from one switch to the other so that the lights will turn on or off regardless as to which switch you use. The white wires in this situation are just connected together and never touch the switches.
Why wrap a switch with electrical tape?
When you are finished, it is a good idea to wrap the switch with electrical tape to cover the connections. This prevents the chances of an arc in the event that something comes loose in the electrical box.
How many wires are needed to wire a switch?
The black wire is going to be connected to the black screw on the switch. The main wire that will go from one switch to the other should have 4 wires total (black, white, ground and red). Review the diagram below for basic three-way wiring instructions.
What is the red wire on a light switch?
Red Wire – This wire is used for 3 or 4 way switches and will connect the switches together so they can each control your lights.
What wire goes straight to the light?
The white or neutral wire bypasses the switch and goes straight to your lights. This wire is needed to complete the circuit. The ground wire (sometimes in a green jacket) should be connected to your switch and to your lights. When you are finished, it is a good idea to wrap the switch with electrical tape to cover the connections.
How to strip insulation from wire?
It will either be 12 or 14 gauge wire. Then, use your wire strippers and strip away about 5/8 of an inch of the insulation from the wire. The wire strippers should have a spot marked for each gauge wire. Next, bend the wire into a pig tail loop so that you can easily attach ...
Why is it important to read the directions on a light switch?
It is important to also read the directions that come with your particular light switch because there may be something different about the one you purchased or a change in technology that would require a different light switch installation. Before you do anything, you will need to cut the power to the light switch.
What is a line switch?
Using line switches allows you total control as to where the lamp will be turned on and off from. They are most commonly used for hanging pendant and floor lamps -- situations where the sockets are keyless (no switch) or hard to reach -- but as mentioned above, they can also be added to table lamps.
How to separate two switches?
Separate the two halves of the switch by unscrewing the screw. The screw will stay in place, but you'll need to put the tiny nut in a safe and obvious place. Place the switch half WITHOUT the wheel on the work surface, inside facing up.
How to make a 2" cord?
Place the screws inside the empty top half. Unscrew and remove the small metal cord clamps from the bottom half and place them in the top half along with the other screws. Set aside. In the center of your 2' cord, measure 2 1/4" and mark with a pencil or pen.
How to turn off a lamp when lying down?
For example if you have a tall bedside lamp and don't want to have to reach up to the socket switch - away from your soft pillow - to turn your lamp off while lying down, you could add a line switch a few inches from the lamp base - and still be able to use the socket switch as well.
How to keep a switch from fraying?
Before wiring up the switch, gently remove the tape and use dabs of white glue to secure the cloth cover to keep it from fraying. Try to keep the glue as close to the cut end as possible, otherwise it will stick out from the switch and look messy. Let dry for a few minutes before proceeding.
How to cut hot wires?
Using the wire cutters, at the halfway point between the socket and plug, carefully cut through ONLY THE HOT (smooth) WIRE, making sure that the cutters stop shy of the Neutral wire's insulation.
How to put a switch on a work surface?
Take the bottom half of the switch and place it on your work surface with the on/off switch pointing away from you.
What is an in line switch?
The in-line switch is a very simple device that interrupts the current flow to the lamp by connecting or disconnecting the hot wire. Most lamp cords are one color (white, black, silver, and in this case, gold) so how do we determine which wire is the hot one?
How to install a hot conductor switch?
Once you have identified the smooth or the hot conductor, then we can proceed to install the switch. 1. UNPLUG THE DEVICE (obvious, but crucial step! 2. Open up the switch by removing the small machine screw in the center of the switch. (Be careful not to lose the tiny nut on the back side of the switch!) 3.
What is an off switch?
Functionally, the switch acts as a circuit interrupter: in the "off" position, the switch is not completing the connection through the hot wires, in the "on" position, the switch is allowing the circuit to be completed.
How to tell if wire is hot?
If you can't tell which wire is hot from the outside of the cloth, you have a few ways to figure it out: you can trace the line from one end of the cord, or you can carefully peel back the cloth in a little spot on one of the wires. If you guess right, great, cut it!
What is the difference between hot wire and neutral wire?
The hot wire will be BLACK, or "unmarked", whereas the neutral wire will be WHITE, or "marked", as in with a tracer stitch on the cloth, or a stripe on the wire under the cloth. So: hot gets cut, neutral does not. If there is a green ground wire (like on our 3-wire round cords), the green wire also remains uncut.
What color wire is used for a 3 wire round cord?
If there is a green ground wire (like on our 3-wire round cords), the green wire also remains uncut. Exceptions: sometimes the wire coloring will be different, brown is sometimes used as hot instead of black, and blue is sometimes used as neutral instead of white.
Can you use cloth covered cords for wiring?
First off, if you've never worked with cloth covered electrical cord before you may want to skim our other blog post "How to Strip and Prep Cloth Covered Cords for Wiring" . Using cloth covered electrical cord is a great way to add a unique flare, pop of color, and authentic vintage feel to any fixture!
Can you cut hot wire and strip both ends?
If you guess right, great, cut it! If you guess wrong, well that spot will be covered within the switch anyway, no biggie. Cut the hot wire and strip both ends, you can use a thin piece of electrical tape to better hold the cloth in place and prevent it from fraying.
