how to replace a double light switch

Then, mimic the wire connections on the old double light switch by wrapping the ends of the hot wires around these screws. 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. Insert the cable through the connector into the electrical box, as shown in Figure 3. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. 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. Confirm that the power is OFF by trying to turn on the equipment. Currently loaded videos are 1 through 15 of 28 total videos. You can then pull the faceplate right off. Essentially, 2 black wires are attached to the bottom dark screw of one switch. What can I do? 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. View our Privacy Policy here. Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. Double light switches operate two items, such as a bathroom light and exhaust fan. Remove the wires from the old switch. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. You should do the same thing if you see this is the case in your old switch. Note: This article only describes installing the switch itself, not rewiring two conjoined feeds that need to be separated. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Either way, the double pole switch is the one to be used, since, in each instance, it cuts both of the colored (hot) line OFF and stops the current flow. What wires need to be moved to turn on a light with one switch and a fan with another? Currently loaded videos are 1 through 15 of 36 total videos. References. I am replacing a double light switch in the bathroom. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Such a switch can also provide immediate electrical access if required. Take a photo of the switch with the wires in place for reference. It's the one without any indentations or ribbing. When purchasing the switch, be sure it is a double pole versus a single pole switch. The neutral side terminals are usually copper. If a hookup is running on 110 Volts, a single pole switch is adequate to cut off the only hot line feeding it. 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. Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel. A double pole switch such as the one in Fig.1 is just slightly bigger than a regular switch but constructed as two single switches harnessed side by side and activated by one common toggle. Take and group the rest of the like-colored wires coming from the wall box, bare wires with bare wires or white with white as needed; only the hot wires should be left without a group. 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. 1-15 of 28. How to Test if an Electrical Cable is Li... How to Test if an Electrical Cable is Live. How to Wire Two Separate Switches & Lights Using the Same Power Source. 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. Let us show you how. Need to install or replace a 3-way light switch in your home? If the white wire was to be measured across to the red or the black, 110 volts would be measured in each instance. Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. The single-pole toggle switch is still the most popular. Remember to switch off the mains power at the consumer unit/fuse box. A double-pole switch is what you need to control a 240-volt device because 240-volt circuits have two hot wires. I usually take photos... Running Neutral in 12/4 Romex for 2 Pole Switch. Double switches, sometimes called "double pole," allow you to separately control the power being sent to multiple places from the same switch. I wired the new switch exactly like the old one, but when I turned the power on, the light switch also turned on the fan. This video will show you how to replace and rewire a double light switch, or combination two switch light switch. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to clamp the ends of the wire around the screw. 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. Copyright© By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. That way, if an emergency occurs, like a component catching fire or just smelling burnt, the power can be quickly shut down, eliminating the risk of further damage. When setting up stationary appliances or equipment, it's always a good idea to establish an accessible disconnect nearby from which the power can be easily turned off. 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. Before cutting the cable, place the electric box in a suitable location and fasten it in place. Single-pole light switches are used to control power to light fixtures or receptacles from one location and are the most common type of switch found in the home.The most common style of switch is the toggle switch, but these can look pretty tired and dated over time. To wire a double switch, you'll need to cut the power, remove the old switch, then feed and connect the wires into the double switch fixture. Toggle the switch “ON” and “OFF” to see if the light turns on. A double pole switch should have the Double Pole Switch Terminal (DPST) clearly outlined. It's easier than you might think. Though it is not difficult to wire a double switch, careful attention to safety is crucial to prevent injury. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Learning to change a light switch is a wiring project you can do yourself with just a few common tools and our easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. The difference between a single- and double-pole switch is that the latter controls two circuits at the same time. Simply touch the end of the detector to the light fixture in several places. Remove the Old Switch Pull the switch assembly carefully out of the switch box until you can see the wires attached to the screws on either side. Always check and double-check that there is no power coming to you when you work. Use a small pocketknife to make a 3/4-in. If the end of the wire is frayed or nicked up, cut it off, strip another inch of insulation off, and use this end. If any lights do turn on, go back to “Step 6”. Remove the appropriate knock-outs from the box and put the cable connectors in place. You can use a two way switch for one way switching. Single pole switch is referred as a single pole, single throw switch. One switch controls two separate circuits. 6). Good morning, I've gotten myself into a minor pickle. % of people told us that this article helped them. Because this level of troubleshooting requires a live circuit to determine what's what, call a qualified electrician to do this repair. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent To replace this kind of switch, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the switch at the main circuit breaker or fuse panel. When setting up stationary appliances or equipment, it's always a good idea to establish an accessible disconnect nearby from which the power can be easily turned off. A 220 volt line can be wired up in two different ways, each for a specific purpose. However, they require slightly different wiring than a single switch and are a bit more expensive to replace. 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. Double Pole / Double Throw Switch Question. All rights reserved. SHOP ALL DIMMERS & SWITCHES Share: categories. Single-pole switches are the simplest and most common. A single-pole switch has just two p… Changing the light switch is a simple and inexpensive DIY project. Such a hookup is needed if some of the controls in the appliance or equipment run on 110 volts while the main part generating the action such as the motor or heater, needs 220 volts. Building a Home Office Series: Electrical Wiring Wiring the Outlet, Why Your Energy Bill Increases During the Holidays, Troubleshooting Problems with a Steam Shower Generator, Working with Armored Cable: Dos and Don'ts, Motion Sensor Light Switch Wiring Explained, Installing a Ceiling Fan: How to Hang from Plaster, Hot Topics: Correcting Poor Contractor Insulation Installation. 7 has a better view). If you are trying to separate two lights that use the same wiring, as opposed to two already separate sources, you will likely need a trained electrician. When you turn on a light switch, power goes to the light through the “hot” (black) wire and then back through the neutral (white) wire to the ground. Carefully align the switch so it is vertical in the box, then attach the cover plate. The breaker can now be turned back on and the switch put to the test. Learn more... A double-switch allows you to operate two lights or appliances from the same location. It's possible that the switch you removed was one of the two that controls the non-functioning light. Hello, I am trying to switch between two 30AMP Outlets. Use a pair of wire strippers to expose at least 1/2-inch of wire. The double pole switch can now be added into the circuit with both colored wires (the black and the red) coming from the circuit breaker connected to the black terminal screws on the switch as seen in figures 7 and 8. To prepare the cord for the new switch. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. L1 is off when L2 is on and vice versa depending on the switch position. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. If necessary, use a wire stripper to expose about a half inch of both the hot and neutral wires. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Wire-a-Double-Switch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Wire-a-Double-Switch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Wire-a-Double-Switch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1454214-v4-728px-Wire-a-Double-Switch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"