@aceeca116 the white wire is spliced to another white wire within the box that goes to the light or outlet or whatever is the load in your circuit. dont forget the wire nut over the splice haha
@slash11896 Please go to my website and read all my Electrical columns. Your answer is there. It's always best to go to my AsktheBuilder website, the dot com one. First, you get lots of answers. Second, you can sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter there that has tips like this in it each week - all at no cost to you!
Please note when putting the switch box onto the stud, make sure you extend it outward for the thickness of your drywall. So if you are using 1/2" drywall extend the box 1/2" out toward you, then the box will be flush with the drywall.
The hot wire is the one that needs to be switched. The neutral return path is the one that is retained. Both switches and most light fixtures need the ground wire.
dunno if this is a stupid question but, could I splice a 12 volt radio extension cord to the screws on the side of the light switch. so, that the radio turns on when the light switch is flipped on? is this wrong to do?
@conjon11 Hmmmmm. Let's think about this. You have a 12 volt radio. The line current in the switch is 120 volts. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. I wonder what would happen?????? You better go get your high school physics book back out and read that chapter.
@AsktheBuilder I think you would need more information to accurately answer this question. If his radio used to plug straight into a 120V receptacle then there is some internal circuit that will drop the voltage. Why else would he have a cord on the radio if there is adapter that comes with it? I think the first question would be get a more accurate description of the hardware before asking the question. Even the smallest gauges of wire are capable of handling more than 12V.
@hiphopisnotevil The point I was trying to make was that he needs to make sure he's not supplying the wrong voltage to the radio. Secondly, if he wants his radio to come on when the light comes on, all he needs to do is run a cable from the light or the end three-way switch to an outlet on the wall where the radio, or it's transformer, gets its power.
i learned this in science class in 5th grade gust conect the battery in the battery holder wrap a metal wire around it and connect to anothor metal object who needs youtube anymore
I replaced ungrounded receptacles with grounded ones. It was affordable and relatively simple. When I went to sell the house a home inspector told me I had to fill the grounding port of the receptacle since the outlet was not grounded. Is there an easy way to avoid this problem by grounding the device? Your videos are very informative and easy to understand.
@blueguy09 That's because I write the comments, not some employee. That's what's called *voice*. You hear me in my writing, because I write like I talk. Most people do that. Thanks for your kind words!
@blueguy09 I don't have too many. Because the NEC changes, it's not prudent to show detailed aspects of electric work. I figure all the full-time electricians can spend their time making electrical videos.
@audiocode256 oz has the right idea, i have heard if you are not a sparky, you cannot get power outlets,cable,light fittings etc.... is that true, also is there need for sparkies in oz, as i would love to work in a country, that has a proper electrical code, will make my life,that bit easier, too many cowboys in u.k :-(
@freemind4ever OZ has the right idea? are u absolutely off ur rocker?? so we need to pay these "cowboys" to come in and do a simple job for us that we could do at a fraction of the cost then?erm, no thank u. if we need the work to be certified, we get a sparky. most people with 2 brain cells to rub together could tackle this without incident as long as u follow a few basic home safety rules.begs the question of why ur name is "freemind4ever" if u ask me...
Come on buddy... This video is great if you want to know how to replace a switch.. As for wiring a new switch.. is the active going to the switch or is the neutral.. Where are the wires coming from and going too... I can understand why people are confused..
@PhatPhilby Thanks for your comment. That's the beauty of YouTube. You seem to know lots about this topic. I went to your channel and there's not one video there about how to do what you're suggesting. Why is that? Tape some videos showing the different methods and come back here and tell us about them.
Hi, I just moved into an apartment that has old wiring and I tried to replace the light switch with a dimmer but there is no ground wire in the box. The dimmer has a ground wire coming from it. Do I just attach the ground wire to the box with a screw ? Thank you in advance for your time and information.
@audiocode256 You know how to solve that don't you? Get active politically. Start to elect libertarians who believe in LESS government interference in your daily life. At the very least have them pass law that reads:
"Homeowners ARE permitted to install and make modifications to their own electrical systems, but they MUST obtain a permit and have the work inspected."
when wiring a single pole switch(two wires in) in a metal box, I have seen in books that you pigtail the ground to the metal box. What if you have two wires in and you tie the grounds and pigtail to the switch ground screw, do you also have to go to the box? I assume the switch is grounding already to the box through the screws?
@6sxpressdotcom That's a correct assumption. Is it an approved method of grounding the metal box per NEC? You'd have to check. I don't attempt to keep up with the widespread changes in the NEC with each update. You can ask your local electrical inspector.
@6sxpressdotcom The device screws which attach the switch to the metal box are NOT considered adequate connection for the grounding of the box. Th reason is, upon removal from the box for service, the bond connection made by the screws is lost and the box will now be ungrounded. To correct this, use a bonding screw in the box and pigtail out to a splice you are going to make anyway in the grounding conductors.
Why not ground to the box and to the switch just for an extra measure of safety? That way you would also be covered by code I would think. That's what I would do.
If the Box is metal and grounded, and I pick up a switch with a Green ground screw, is it safe to just screw the switch into the metal box without running a wire to ground? or should I take the time to run another wire?
@lookejutube Thanks, but you mean you're not your. :-> We don't want to perpetuate poor grammar and such so that future generations think we were not refined do we? :->>>
Yes, it doesnt matter on which screw the wires goes. However, the convention is the HOT wiring (The one that comes from the circuit breaker) is on top.
This is so far from UK wiring that you wouldn't believe it! Firstly, I have to say, are those ancient switches or are people really fitting such ugly looking things to their walls? Secondly, nothing's plastic! All those horrible hook connections leaving so much exposed conductor - it's dangerous looking.
No sleeving on the earth wire.
And very few switches are wired with the neutral through them.
@tammas2000 I don't know about you, but it drives me CRAZY that people don't take the time to read the other comments *before* commenting. You must be the 10th person from the UK to tell us all about earth wires..... Please do all a favor and don't be redundant.
@OnThe246 I'm so confused. What information did it lack that would give you the confidence to proceed? You can see everything you need to know, even if I didn't speak it verbally. Remember, these short videos are not meant to be one-hour DVD series on everything there is to know about a topic. This one just explained the actual switch, where to connect the wires and the proper method to connect them.
ok i have 2-3 lights to a 3 prong plug in. How would i attach a switch to that. These lights have a black wire and a white wire. The cord has 3 wires, one goes to a reset switch (planning to cut and cover) the two other wires are green and white. so i don't know how to connect all this and then to a switch. please help!
I watched your video, and then I did it!! Thank you, Tim. Couldn't have done it without you (and my husband, who served as my surgery assistant ... handing me needle nose, Phillips, and flat-heads as requested). I'm so proud of myself!
that's only a single pole switch. He only shows the easy one. He probably doesn't know how to wire a 3 way switch or a 4 way switch. Electric is something an electrician should do because if you make one little screw up it can cause a fire.
@TeNaCiOuSLeGeNd Bwahahahahahaha You comment reminds me so much of what Dr. Kenneth Caster used to say to all of us in the classroom each time he would administer an exam. He would walk in to the room, peer at each of us and utter, "Today we're going to test the depths of your ignorance." How about you typing this into the YouTube search box: 3 Way Switch Tim Carter
... and do the same switching out the 3 with a 4.
Good thing for you YouTube allows you to remove your own comments.
@TeNaCiOuSLeGeNd What's the point of commenting? Just one of those people who wakes up every morning "Ah another brand new day to give sneery, cynical advice and everyone loves me!" People like you are a waste of space. Thanks Tim for the info. sorted out my wiring question.
I bet you would get a million subscribers if you grabbed the hot wires while standing in a bucket of water. I subscribed anyways...one can always hope hehe
This is a great how to video for a home owner on just replacing a switch, 3 and 4 way switching is much tricker, however, but still can be done with a little attention to how the electrican wired the box. Maby write down, or draw a picture of the old switch, before you take it apart. Also doing one terminal at a time also works well.
call an electrician its his job...you dont need it unless its metal but it will still work (live to earth or grounding as hes calling it will trip mcb)..its for safety for all metalics...pipes conduits etc in your case light switch..if its plastic itl be ok
@SUPERPHANTAZM How old is the switch and box? Some really old wiring that was called knob and tube, can be very tricky! If the box is metal, that might be a ground path, otherwise, to do it right you may need to run a seprate ground wire, back to your service panel. This can be very costly, depending on the building.
Power could come from the light first and to the switch on whats called a switch loup or leg. In this case the white wire would be HOT and should be identified as such with a black mark or tape. Yes it's easy if you know what ypur doing.
@AsktheBuilder Good vid, my dilema currently is, I'm trying to replace a light switch, in the box on the wall, I have 3 wires, No black, it's 2 red and 1 blue, No ground, maybe because of the age of construction, So.....this is double switch box, one for the porch and one for the interior, I'm replacing the switch for the outside porch light, in looking at the other switch, red and blue are connected to the screws on the old switch
What wires do I connect in the light to get the switch to work properly? The way I have it now when I turn the light off I trip the breaker. The switch seems to be at the end of the string the way it is set up. But it was able to control a socket. I want to control the light I installed now.
America prides herself in "if it works fine, why waste money to replace it?" If the wiring and hardware are all still up to code, it doesn't matter what they look like. I still use a solid cast iron band saw machine from the 1890's- works better and lasts longer than the modern machines in the shop.
The white / black method only has one cable coming into the box. The continuous hot would already be up at the light fixture and needs to be switched. The method I show has the continuous hot coming into the switch box. Both methods are acceptable.
Of course it's easy with no walls. How about telling me how to wire modern switches into pre-existing light fixtures with the switches ON the fixture...
Uh, yes. I show you how in this video. Look at the wires coming into and out of the box. Also watch my 3-Way Switch video to see what to do with the white and ground wires.
One of two solutions here. Either pull the switch and unloosen both screws and swap wires to the other screws, OR if there is enough slack in the wire, unscrew it from the box, flip it 180 degrees and screw it back in place...Make sure breaker is off so you don't get your nuts zapped.
But, if its a new house, make the electrician who wired it come fix it for free.
Wow. How cultures and countries differ. A 'do it yourself wiring project', is a sentence you'd never see in Australia. This is 100% illegal here and you would get heavily fined if busted!
But I'm sure it's perfectly legal down under to own and harbor an incredibly dangerous kangaroo! In America, you would get heavily fined for keeping such a lethal pet!
This video shows the light at the end of the circuit, but you could have the white and black wires at the switch if the light is wired before the switch.
lol, the neutral wire isnt a load its an electron return to the neutral/ground bar in the pannel. a switch a simple series circuit. the hot wire breaks the load of the device. there's no neutral connection in a switch because its a not a device, all its doing is breaking and making voltage and reactive current.
Thanks for the comment. I love comments like these. Each licensed electrical contractor had their first day on the job. Each of those jobs were inspected, right? Assuming you're one of these licensed pros, is that house you first worked on still standing? The point is simple. If you're a pro, there was a time you knew nothing. Homeowners can do much of what you do with great direction and under the same supervision you had when you first started.
@heyman422 It's a light switch, we're not talking wiring a whole house here. I'm pretty sure anyone who passed a high school shop class is qualified to wire a switch. In fact, you do that in the first week. Let me guess, you're a licensed electrical contractor that wants to make stuff look harder than it is, and explains stuff in a complicated way to people much more educated than yourself, so we don't find out it's actually pretty easy and don't hire your dumb ass.
All people have to do is pull a permit and a city inspector can inspect it. That way, everything is safe if one follows the rules. If someone chooses not to follow the rules, then there could be disaster. But that is no different than driving an automobile - it's all a matter of following the rules!
@heyman422 Do I need a licensed street-crosser to help me cross the street? Nearly everything we do in life comes with some form of danger, but if we follow the basic rules and are diligent in learning how to be safe with our projects we can manage just about any task. If we had to hire an expert every time we wanted to accomplish a simple task we would all be completely helpless and broke.
If you see just a black,white ,ground in a SWITCH box then it's a switch loop. They probably junctioned power in the light box in the ceiling. Kind of an old school way to do it. Sometimes if you want to add a dimmer switch they won't work on a switch loop since some dimmers need a neutral. Good luck.
The fools who wired my home used black for all three wires. How do I know which is the grounding? On another light switch they has two black wires and one red.
all black wires! that sucks man, you can ground the device to the metal box that its inside, look for a whole in the box with a 3/8 green ground screw and a pig tail coming off....if there isnt one, you can drill into the box and make your own ground and ground your device that way
Must be the same guys who did my home because I have the same problem. Three black wires one is connected to a screw and the other two are in holes on the back one close to the one on the screw. the other close to the empty screw.
bare wire is the ground wire. goes under the green ground screw. I hardly would ever put the bare ground under the green screw on my jobs. Maybe in a place i thought needed to like around the bathroom. But i use plastic covers. . If a switch has three terminals and a green screw then it is a 3-way switch. One of the terminals is different color, usually black now and days. It has to have the wire that is on it that is just like the original switch. Or the switch will not work right.
You should go watch my 3-Way Switch video and my one about 4 Way Switches. I have a separate video for each. Type: 3 Way Switch Tim Carter into the YouTube search engine.
your so good in explaining in your videos... i wish your my teacher so i can learn fast.... my last teacher do complicated things when he about talking about wires,.. and he doesn't have a sense of humor...
I had many a teacher like you in high school and college. Sometimes you have to do what you just did - go to another source - and self-educate yourself.
Hi ! Do you have a video showing how to use wire nuts ? I have a receptacle that I don't use (doesn't work) and want to close it. (2 black/2 white/1 neutral wires), Thanks for your help
if you have 2 black and 2 white (white wires are the neutral) and 1 wire that you say is the neutral (its probaly the ground. which you will know if its green or just bare copper) then that receptical probaly feeds another receptical. just take the receptical off and twist all the wires back together, color for color, and put a blank face plate cover on it and it should let the other recepticales its feeding work fine
Hi tim, thanks for answering my question. Its a single pole rocker lighted switch, I checked the box it came in. 2 black screws on the side and 1 ground screw. I went to the home improvement (depot) store and talked to a guy who works in electrical department. I told him the problem. He look like he was drinking last night. He told me to bring it back and try the other home imporvement store (lows) they might make better switches. I am sure he loves his job the way he talked. LOL
hi tim I replaced a switch with a lighted rocker switch when the switch is off the top portion of the switch is lit I have 3 black wires coming into the switch. All white wires are connected (3). The switch was lit after 2 days. Then I turned off the breaker to install a GFI on the other wall. Now the switch doesn't light (it works) I bought another switch, still doesn't light inside. I ckecked all the wires and everthing is secure. 1 black for the top and 2 black are for the bottom. any hints?
they used to never put a ground in lighting switches.just put the black wires under each screw.one wire per screw,doesnt even matter which combonation.one is a hot wire and the other comes from the light the switch just disconects them and conects them.you can touch a hot wire alone and not get shocked.just dont touch the neutral(white) or ground(green or bare copper) wire while touching the hot wire.wear leather gloves and youll never get shocked!
1. it does make a difference which wire goes to which screw r ur switch will be upside down , do the job correct first time not a rush job . 2. what if its 2 way switching ? r there is a loop feed at the switch ?
my house has a one dipole switch that has 3 black wires, and 3 brass terminal screws.... should i connect only 2 of the black wires into a occupancy sensor switch and ignore the green wire that came with the new switch?
Anyway what I really meant was that the switch would either be as normal up for the on position and down for the off position that's all. not a big deal
on a gfci outlet you put the wire that has power comming out of it into the bottom of the plug. if theres another wire that may run another plug goes into the top connection. it should say on the back of the plug on which color wire connects to. GFCI stand for "Ground Fault Circuit Interuption" the plug is desighned to keep you from getting shocked if wired correctly
Dude, you can't be serious. Did you watch the entire video? Did you not see the white wires are connected to one another? How about the fact that the switch only has two screws besides the ground screw. This video was just showing how to connect the black wires to the switch. It's not a video about wiring the lighting circuit.
I dont know what everyone here is complaining about in these comments. All Tim is showing you how to do is install a light switch on existing wires, which is not all that difficult. The hardest and most dangerous part is running the wires through the walls, and most DIY'ers would not attempt this themselves, so you electricians who are afraid of the competition can relax. After all, installing a light switch is too easy, there is nothing to it, if you have the knowledge, which Tim is providing.
Thanks for your support. The next tool yous might want to buy would be a voltage tester. :-> No need to work when the power is energized and waiting to zot you. :->
great video your 3way and 4 way really helped me out...i actually did all the work in my basement then got friend to inspect it...thank you again it helped me financialy too. one thing for sure i am your great fan...looking forward for some full circuit wiring from the panel 15amp,20amp,40amp.
You're not going to like this, but I try to stay away from electrical videos. Some of the electricians out there get their knickers in a knot about them. If I do tape more, I'll turn off the comments as it's so much work arguing with some of them. Many are bitter thinking I'm taking food from their mouths.
Well, i cant really get all the angry comments that are showing up here. Any reasonable person should know to verify and fully understand any information they procure from the internet. Period. Quite frankly, I hear a lot of protectionism in the comments I have read. These types of videos are great for DIY'ers and frankly any lemming that electrocutes themselves because the didn't respect an electrical circuit, well how are you supposed to protect that sort of ignorance? Great Video!
Thanks for your support. The anger comes from insecure people who feel the way many witch doctors feel. The electricians who are angry don't want common folk to understand how easy and straightforward residential electric is. Many of these electricians think they will be out of work if that happens. They will not openly admit it is what frosts me. They act like the all powerful and mighty Wizard of Oz. It's actually very sad to see them feel so unnecessary.
Tim, I am an electrician , i got into the trade way back in 1978. Electrical work at the house is usually pretty easy in some ways. Just think logical about what you are doing. One thing to pass on is that to many people and even electricians will use too small of boxes for the wiring that is going into them. There should be a cu in marked inside of boxes to let you know how many wires can go in that box. I have seen boxes so crammed that i would say what idiot did this?
Where do I put the white wire neutral wire:-Q
aceeca116 3 weeks ago
@aceeca116 the white wire is spliced to another white wire within the box that goes to the light or outlet or whatever is the load in your circuit. dont forget the wire nut over the splice haha
snowboarderHVAC 14 hours ago
i got a ? on some of my outlet and Light Switchs theres no ground cable is that fine or theres has to be one
920gamez 1 month ago
i just looked at my current switch and i have 2 black wires connecting to screw 1 and a red wire to screw 2 and of course a ground, is this right?
slash11896 1 month ago
@slash11896 Please go to my website and read all my Electrical columns. Your answer is there. It's always best to go to my AsktheBuilder website, the dot com one. First, you get lots of answers. Second, you can sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter there that has tips like this in it each week - all at no cost to you!
AsktheBuilder 1 month ago
Please note when putting the switch box onto the stud, make sure you extend it outward for the thickness of your drywall. So if you are using 1/2" drywall extend the box 1/2" out toward you, then the box will be flush with the drywall.
usascottwright 1 month ago
@usascottwright Correct. Just like you *see* in this video of mine.
AsktheBuilder 1 month ago
How to connect an illuminated light switch is needed
KYstampnjoan 2 months ago
The hot wire is the one that needs to be switched. The neutral return path is the one that is retained. Both switches and most light fixtures need the ground wire.
MIKON8ERISBACK 2 months ago
could someone explain to me what the ground cable is for? im 15 & i want to be an electrician when i grow up
Rawwwrr96 3 months ago
Oooo needlenose pliers.. helpful video, thanks!
schmaga50 6 months ago
So helpful. I probably would have burned down my house if I didn't watch this.
The1985Tim 7 months ago
THANKS!!
OneHopeMediaSource 8 months ago
dunno if this is a stupid question but, could I splice a 12 volt radio extension cord to the screws on the side of the light switch. so, that the radio turns on when the light switch is flipped on? is this wrong to do?
conjon11 8 months ago
@conjon11 Hmmmmm. Let's think about this. You have a 12 volt radio. The line current in the switch is 120 volts. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. I wonder what would happen?????? You better go get your high school physics book back out and read that chapter.
AsktheBuilder 8 months ago
@AsktheBuilder I think you would need more information to accurately answer this question. If his radio used to plug straight into a 120V receptacle then there is some internal circuit that will drop the voltage. Why else would he have a cord on the radio if there is adapter that comes with it? I think the first question would be get a more accurate description of the hardware before asking the question. Even the smallest gauges of wire are capable of handling more than 12V.
hiphopisnotevil 7 months ago
@hiphopisnotevil The point I was trying to make was that he needs to make sure he's not supplying the wrong voltage to the radio. Secondly, if he wants his radio to come on when the light comes on, all he needs to do is run a cable from the light or the end three-way switch to an outlet on the wall where the radio, or it's transformer, gets its power.
AsktheBuilder 7 months ago
i learned this in science class in 5th grade gust conect the battery in the battery holder wrap a metal wire around it and connect to anothor metal object who needs youtube anymore
409spider 11 months ago
I replaced ungrounded receptacles with grounded ones. It was affordable and relatively simple. When I went to sell the house a home inspector told me I had to fill the grounding port of the receptacle since the outlet was not grounded. Is there an easy way to avoid this problem by grounding the device? Your videos are very informative and easy to understand.
1951jimmy 1 year ago
@1951jimmy Easy way? Probably not! To ground a receptacle you need to connect it to ground. That can be VERY difficult in most instances.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@AsktheBuilder You know when ever i read your comments, I imagine you saying, them, and I can hear your voice. Nice video, thanks.
blueguy09 6 months ago
@blueguy09 That's because I write the comments, not some employee. That's what's called *voice*. You hear me in my writing, because I write like I talk. Most people do that. Thanks for your kind words!
AsktheBuilder 6 months ago
@AsktheBuilder awesome, so do you do any other types of video's pertainig to electrical work, such as re wiring a PS3's PSU (power supply unit)
blueguy09 6 months ago
@blueguy09 I don't have too many. Because the NEC changes, it's not prudent to show detailed aspects of electric work. I figure all the full-time electricians can spend their time making electrical videos.
AsktheBuilder 6 months ago
@audiocode256 oz has the right idea, i have heard if you are not a sparky, you cannot get power outlets,cable,light fittings etc.... is that true, also is there need for sparkies in oz, as i would love to work in a country, that has a proper electrical code, will make my life,that bit easier, too many cowboys in u.k :-(
freemind4ever 1 year ago
@freemind4ever OZ has the right idea? are u absolutely off ur rocker?? so we need to pay these "cowboys" to come in and do a simple job for us that we could do at a fraction of the cost then?erm, no thank u. if we need the work to be certified, we get a sparky. most people with 2 brain cells to rub together could tackle this without incident as long as u follow a few basic home safety rules.begs the question of why ur name is "freemind4ever" if u ask me...
frankduffy17 7 months ago
Come on buddy... This video is great if you want to know how to replace a switch.. As for wiring a new switch.. is the active going to the switch or is the neutral.. Where are the wires coming from and going too... I can understand why people are confused..
PhatPhilby 1 year ago
@PhatPhilby Thanks for your comment. That's the beauty of YouTube. You seem to know lots about this topic. I went to your channel and there's not one video there about how to do what you're suggesting. Why is that? Tape some videos showing the different methods and come back here and tell us about them.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
Hi, I just moved into an apartment that has old wiring and I tried to replace the light switch with a dimmer but there is no ground wire in the box. The dimmer has a ground wire coming from it. Do I just attach the ground wire to the box with a screw ? Thank you in advance for your time and information.
BenSTBarker 1 year ago
@audiocode256 You know how to solve that don't you? Get active politically. Start to elect libertarians who believe in LESS government interference in your daily life. At the very least have them pass law that reads:
"Homeowners ARE permitted to install and make modifications to their own electrical systems, but they MUST obtain a permit and have the work inspected."
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago 5
@AsktheBuilder so all that stuff I did two years back I need inspected SHIT ! ya sorry did not know but umm ya lol crap
67tr876 1 month ago
how do you run the fixture wire if the light switch is far away? im glad you survived that electric shock.
c0kar7 1 year ago
when wiring a single pole switch(two wires in) in a metal box, I have seen in books that you pigtail the ground to the metal box. What if you have two wires in and you tie the grounds and pigtail to the switch ground screw, do you also have to go to the box? I assume the switch is grounding already to the box through the screws?
6sxpressdotcom 1 year ago
@6sxpressdotcom That's a correct assumption. Is it an approved method of grounding the metal box per NEC? You'd have to check. I don't attempt to keep up with the widespread changes in the NEC with each update. You can ask your local electrical inspector.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@6sxpressdotcom The device screws which attach the switch to the metal box are NOT considered adequate connection for the grounding of the box. Th reason is, upon removal from the box for service, the bond connection made by the screws is lost and the box will now be ungrounded. To correct this, use a bonding screw in the box and pigtail out to a splice you are going to make anyway in the grounding conductors.
russdonruss 1 year ago
@6sxpressdotcom
Why not ground to the box and to the switch just for an extra measure of safety? That way you would also be covered by code I would think. That's what I would do.
MandrewP 1 year ago
If the Box is metal and grounded, and I pick up a switch with a Green ground screw, is it safe to just screw the switch into the metal box without running a wire to ground? or should I take the time to run another wire?
tim9000123 1 year ago
Your videos are great, I enjoy every one of them! Great tips, great presenter!
Northern206 1 year ago
your the man
lookejutube 1 year ago
@lookejutube Thanks, but you mean you're not your. :-> We don't want to perpetuate poor grammar and such so that future generations think we were not refined do we? :->>>
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@AsktheBuilder this is youtube dude, it doesnt matter.
Dr8co1 1 year ago
could you please show wiring of a fixture which has two toggle switches?
nikijitu 1 year ago
@nikijitu Are you talking about a 3 Way Switch? Go watch my video about that.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
Yes, it doesnt matter on which screw the wires goes. However, the convention is the HOT wiring (The one that comes from the circuit breaker) is on top.
Kay182007 1 year ago
This is so far from UK wiring that you wouldn't believe it! Firstly, I have to say, are those ancient switches or are people really fitting such ugly looking things to their walls? Secondly, nothing's plastic! All those horrible hook connections leaving so much exposed conductor - it's dangerous looking.
No sleeving on the earth wire.
And very few switches are wired with the neutral through them.
tammas2000 1 year ago 2
@tammas2000 I don't know about you, but it drives me CRAZY that people don't take the time to read the other comments *before* commenting. You must be the 10th person from the UK to tell us all about earth wires..... Please do all a favor and don't be redundant.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@AsktheBuilder : They might be Englishmen, but hey don't give up. Some even look human.
hornstra1 1 year ago
@tammas2000 im from aus and totally agree with ya. looks like what we were using back in the 70's maybe.. lol
AUSteveo84 11 months ago
This video isn't enough information for me to take your advise to go ahead and start wiring light switches. :(
OnThe246 1 year ago
@OnThe246 I'm so confused. What information did it lack that would give you the confidence to proceed? You can see everything you need to know, even if I didn't speak it verbally. Remember, these short videos are not meant to be one-hour DVD series on everything there is to know about a topic. This one just explained the actual switch, where to connect the wires and the proper method to connect them.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
What about the white wires? Do you tie them together?
6sxpressdotcom 1 year ago
@6sxpressdotcom Correct
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
why does every single american think he or she is funny?
jus a Q...no need to answer...
great video.
klomotolop 1 year ago
@klomotolop I just had to answer. Not every American thinks they're funny. I'd venture to say only 43.9% do.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
Lol Tim you're so jolly :P
ravenprey666 1 year ago
I really need help. My light switch got disconnected. Not the wires but the actual switch part. Please help!
newyorkyankeef4n1018 1 year ago
Can you please tell me how to connect 3 wires L + N + Ground..
Am exactly not sure about which one is the 220 volt ? L or N?
The ground is easy to find..
Any help?
2pacowtlos 1 year ago
Is that material he used standard in the U.S.?
Turbotrips 1 year ago
YOU DA MAN!!! might light switch has been sitting idle for so long
nolareaper 1 year ago
ok i have 2-3 lights to a 3 prong plug in. How would i attach a switch to that. These lights have a black wire and a white wire. The cord has 3 wires, one goes to a reset switch (planning to cut and cover) the two other wires are green and white. so i don't know how to connect all this and then to a switch. please help!
LeninfromUSSR 1 year ago
Great videos, man. Thanks for doing these.
armorhelix 1 year ago
in the uk, you would need earth sleeving on that
tomofchadd 1 year ago
I watched your video, and then I did it!! Thank you, Tim. Couldn't have done it without you (and my husband, who served as my surgery assistant ... handing me needle nose, Phillips, and flat-heads as requested). I'm so proud of myself!
TheWigleFamily 1 year ago
@TheWigleFamily WOO HOO!!! Now that's a comment I love to see!!! Congratulations on that success.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
@AsktheBuilder I somehow marked my own comment as spam. So, I can wire a lightswitch, but I can't work a mouse. lol
TheWigleFamily 1 year ago
that really helped. thanks
michoacanbeni 1 year ago
that's only a single pole switch. He only shows the easy one. He probably doesn't know how to wire a 3 way switch or a 4 way switch. Electric is something an electrician should do because if you make one little screw up it can cause a fire.
TeNaCiOuSLeGeNd 1 year ago
@TeNaCiOuSLeGeNd Bwahahahahahaha You comment reminds me so much of what Dr. Kenneth Caster used to say to all of us in the classroom each time he would administer an exam. He would walk in to the room, peer at each of us and utter, "Today we're going to test the depths of your ignorance." How about you typing this into the YouTube search box: 3 Way Switch Tim Carter
... and do the same switching out the 3 with a 4.
Good thing for you YouTube allows you to remove your own comments.
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago 7
@TeNaCiOuSLeGeNd What's the point of commenting? Just one of those people who wakes up every morning "Ah another brand new day to give sneery, cynical advice and everyone loves me!" People like you are a waste of space. Thanks Tim for the info. sorted out my wiring question.
billyb00la 1 year ago
@TeNaCiOuSLeGeNd he's got other videos I guess you didn't bother to check those out befoe you made your comment.
dsteph2008 1 year ago
What about the neutral wire?
josephrl82 1 year ago
I bet you would get a million subscribers if you grabbed the hot wires while standing in a bucket of water. I subscribed anyways...one can always hope hehe
WHOOPASSLQ 1 year ago
Dude you explain it so perfectly. Im going to subscribe.
MRGOLDFINGER19 1 year ago
lol moment at 0:24
MrJohn173 1 year ago
This is a great how to video for a home owner on just replacing a switch, 3 and 4 way switching is much tricker, however, but still can be done with a little attention to how the electrican wired the box. Maby write down, or draw a picture of the old switch, before you take it apart. Also doing one terminal at a time also works well.
thedisruptive1 1 year ago
HELP! I don't have a grounding wire in the wall, neither does the switch have a third grounding screw. What do I do?
I replaced a defective switch. It works, but I'm concerned about grounding.
SUPERPHANTAZM 2 years ago
call an electrician its his job...you dont need it unless its metal but it will still work (live to earth or grounding as hes calling it will trip mcb)..its for safety for all metalics...pipes conduits etc in your case light switch..if its plastic itl be ok
madosamabinladen 1 year ago
just tighten the shit outta the live wires so they dont come loose
deanbedford71 1 year ago
@SUPERPHANTAZM How old is the switch and box? Some really old wiring that was called knob and tube, can be very tricky! If the box is metal, that might be a ground path, otherwise, to do it right you may need to run a seprate ground wire, back to your service panel. This can be very costly, depending on the building.
thedisruptive1 1 year ago
I assume you got this figured out by now, but if not some old switches didn't use ground wires. You can get by with just wiring it up the same way.
(my place is like that too)
benjaminlately 1 year ago
Power could come from the light first and to the switch on whats called a switch loup or leg. In this case the white wire would be HOT and should be identified as such with a black mark or tape. Yes it's easy if you know what ypur doing.
bever49 2 years ago
THANK YOU from italy
domyaska 2 years ago
Come fanno le cose electriche possono essere diverse in l'Italia che in l'America. Referiche agli leggi locale dove habiti.
tuvoca 2 years ago
The way you explained this procedure would make it easy for any layman to do it. I had to subscribe after seeing this video and the details covered.
semco72057 2 years ago
Thanks! I try to do these videos so that they do make sense. Oh how I wish they existed when I first started in business!
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
@AsktheBuilder Good vid, my dilema currently is, I'm trying to replace a light switch, in the box on the wall, I have 3 wires, No black, it's 2 red and 1 blue, No ground, maybe because of the age of construction, So.....this is double switch box, one for the porch and one for the interior, I'm replacing the switch for the outside porch light, in looking at the other switch, red and blue are connected to the screws on the old switch
jimmym1a1 1 year ago
@AsktheBuilder ...that still leaves me with a Red exposed, could I just cap it off?
jimmym1a1 1 year ago
What wires do I connect in the light to get the switch to work properly? The way I have it now when I turn the light off I trip the breaker. The switch seems to be at the end of the string the way it is set up. But it was able to control a socket. I want to control the light I installed now.
jsellers224 2 years ago
jesus! american standards must be about 30 years behind the uk!! all of your switches and breakers etc look prehistoric!!
jonmeehan1985 2 years ago 2
America prides herself in "if it works fine, why waste money to replace it?" If the wiring and hardware are all still up to code, it doesn't matter what they look like. I still use a solid cast iron band saw machine from the 1890's- works better and lasts longer than the modern machines in the shop.
victorinoxical 1 year ago
how come some ppl use 1 black and 1 white wire this guy uses 2 black wires someone repond to me witch one is right
WWE3picRecorder 2 years ago
The white / black method only has one cable coming into the box. The continuous hot would already be up at the light fixture and needs to be switched. The method I show has the continuous hot coming into the switch box. Both methods are acceptable.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
alright thx man
WWE3picRecorder 2 years ago
Thank you tim carter
boon4376 2 years ago
its called a single pole switch
ott4l69 2 years ago
OMG... does it not exist any more modern switches and stuffs in US then what we see in the video??
Just check in European stuffs! :-)
jnse78 2 years ago
Darn.. Do you use switches like that in the US today or are they from the 60's?
bajsbopper 2 years ago
we use them today, y?
wallen2k9 2 years ago
Of course it's easy with no walls. How about telling me how to wire modern switches into pre-existing light fixtures with the switches ON the fixture...
FixFalcon 2 years ago
That's a whole different video..... Too many videos to tape, too little time.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
the earth should have been connected first for safety reasons
imgonnawinu 2 years ago
quick question sir, how do you repair a switch where the functions are reversed?
flipping up turns light off and down is on...very nerve racking when its every switch in your new house
ichimich75 2 years ago
You turn the switch upside down......
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
does anyone know how to wire a light from scratch? like tapping into a power source and wiring it up?
ihatedemocrats11 2 years ago
Uh, yes. I show you how in this video. Look at the wires coming into and out of the box. Also watch my 3-Way Switch video to see what to do with the white and ground wires.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Are you looking for lighting in the uk or usa totally different as both wires switch wire and light drop should drop from the light fitting in the uk
budtastic101 2 years ago
@budtastic101 Its done that way in the us to.
123b1s1m1 2 years ago
@AsktheBuilder Lol this made me laugh :)
EmbrunFalcon91 1 year ago
One of two solutions here. Either pull the switch and unloosen both screws and swap wires to the other screws, OR if there is enough slack in the wire, unscrew it from the box, flip it 180 degrees and screw it back in place...Make sure breaker is off so you don't get your nuts zapped.
But, if its a new house, make the electrician who wired it come fix it for free.
3fingersalute 2 years ago
Wow. How cultures and countries differ. A 'do it yourself wiring project', is a sentence you'd never see in Australia. This is 100% illegal here and you would get heavily fined if busted!
mattjns 2 years ago
But I'm sure it's perfectly legal down under to own and harbor an incredibly dangerous kangaroo! In America, you would get heavily fined for keeping such a lethal pet!
FixFalcon 2 years ago
This video shows the light at the end of the circuit, but you could have the white and black wires at the switch if the light is wired before the switch.
Straxus1 2 years ago
Where does the white wire go? Does it bypass the switch and go straight to the load/light to complete the circuit?
scottytbird 2 years ago
Yes. The neutral or white wire goes to the load.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
lol, the neutral wire isnt a load its an electron return to the neutral/ground bar in the pannel. a switch a simple series circuit. the hot wire breaks the load of the device. there's no neutral connection in a switch because its a not a device, all its doing is breaking and making voltage and reactive current.
crozzy98 2 years ago
yes, just wire nut the whites together
stevedeez 2 years ago
make sure the power is off before you go doing it yourself make sure you know what your getting into maybe do live dead live 1st
redmarquez 2 years ago
this looks like an intersting trade
gazamc08 2 years ago
can you mak a video on how to wire a light switch so that it controls an outlet? please reply
emericansk8er12345 2 years ago
Yes I can.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
thank you=)
emericansk8er12345 2 years ago
it does matter where the wires go because one is a switch leg and one is a feed
focaaaa 2 years ago
keep wiring to a licensed electrical contractor before someone burns their house down or gets hurt. wiring is no hobby.
heyman422 2 years ago 3
Thanks for the comment. I love comments like these. Each licensed electrical contractor had their first day on the job. Each of those jobs were inspected, right? Assuming you're one of these licensed pros, is that house you first worked on still standing? The point is simple. If you're a pro, there was a time you knew nothing. Homeowners can do much of what you do with great direction and under the same supervision you had when you first started.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
buzzo, use the grounding screw!! Shortcuts = Dangerous!! Thanks
sgtgrooover 2 years ago
It's a plastic box. The ground wire was attached to the ground screw on the switch.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
@heyman422
Yes, I've seen lot of mistakes done by qualified electricians, thanks for advice!
Also, in some countries (I don't know anything about USA) electric license is similiar money sucking from people.
Dmitrytln 1 year ago
@heyman422 It's a light switch, we're not talking wiring a whole house here. I'm pretty sure anyone who passed a high school shop class is qualified to wire a switch. In fact, you do that in the first week. Let me guess, you're a licensed electrical contractor that wants to make stuff look harder than it is, and explains stuff in a complicated way to people much more educated than yourself, so we don't find out it's actually pretty easy and don't hire your dumb ass.
Aeglim 1 year ago
@heyman422
All people have to do is pull a permit and a city inspector can inspect it. That way, everything is safe if one follows the rules. If someone chooses not to follow the rules, then there could be disaster. But that is no different than driving an automobile - it's all a matter of following the rules!
MandrewP 1 year ago
@heyman422 Do I need a licensed street-crosser to help me cross the street? Nearly everything we do in life comes with some form of danger, but if we follow the basic rules and are diligent in learning how to be safe with our projects we can manage just about any task. If we had to hire an expert every time we wanted to accomplish a simple task we would all be completely helpless and broke.
mar504 1 year ago
i always put my swicth leg on the top screw of the swicth it makes morer sense
Stichesonmyass 2 years ago
Your video helped me a lot. Thanks!
silentc1015 2 years ago
my light switch has 2 gold screws, one black screw and a green ground screw?
Are you tying two wires together that you aren't talking about in the video??
You have black, white and ground. What are you doing with the white wire???
user801801 2 years ago
If you see just a black,white ,ground in a SWITCH box then it's a switch loop. They probably junctioned power in the light box in the ceiling. Kind of an old school way to do it. Sometimes if you want to add a dimmer switch they won't work on a switch loop since some dimmers need a neutral. Good luck.
bigholmes95 2 years ago
The fools who wired my home used black for all three wires. How do I know which is the grounding? On another light switch they has two black wires and one red.
jackzero99 2 years ago
all black wires! that sucks man, you can ground the device to the metal box that its inside, look for a whole in the box with a 3/8 green ground screw and a pig tail coming off....if there isnt one, you can drill into the box and make your own ground and ground your device that way
WhnEvilStrks 2 years ago
Must be the same guys who did my home because I have the same problem. Three black wires one is connected to a screw and the other two are in holes on the back one close to the one on the screw. the other close to the empty screw.
MaricelaArch 2 years ago
bare wire is the ground wire. goes under the green ground screw. I hardly would ever put the bare ground under the green screw on my jobs. Maybe in a place i thought needed to like around the bathroom. But i use plastic covers. . If a switch has three terminals and a green screw then it is a 3-way switch. One of the terminals is different color, usually black now and days. It has to have the wire that is on it that is just like the original switch. Or the switch will not work right.
buzzobug 2 years ago
You should go watch my 3-Way Switch video and my one about 4 Way Switches. I have a separate video for each. Type: 3 Way Switch Tim Carter into the YouTube search engine.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Tim, your a life saver! Thanks!
mrdj5150 2 years ago
your so good in explaining in your videos... i wish your my teacher so i can learn fast.... my last teacher do complicated things when he about talking about wires,.. and he doesn't have a sense of humor...
kino261988 2 years ago
I had many a teacher like you in high school and college. Sometimes you have to do what you just did - go to another source - and self-educate yourself.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Hi ! Do you have a video showing how to use wire nuts ? I have a receptacle that I don't use (doesn't work) and want to close it. (2 black/2 white/1 neutral wires), Thanks for your help
missgyver 2 years ago
if you have 2 black and 2 white (white wires are the neutral) and 1 wire that you say is the neutral (its probaly the ground. which you will know if its green or just bare copper) then that receptical probaly feeds another receptical. just take the receptical off and twist all the wires back together, color for color, and put a blank face plate cover on it and it should let the other recepticales its feeding work fine
WhnEvilStrks 2 years ago
Hi tim, thanks for answering my question. Its a single pole rocker lighted switch, I checked the box it came in. 2 black screws on the side and 1 ground screw. I went to the home improvement (depot) store and talked to a guy who works in electrical department. I told him the problem. He look like he was drinking last night. He told me to bring it back and try the other home imporvement store (lows) they might make better switches. I am sure he loves his job the way he talked. LOL
mizbooboo2u 2 years ago
hi tim I replaced a switch with a lighted rocker switch when the switch is off the top portion of the switch is lit I have 3 black wires coming into the switch. All white wires are connected (3). The switch was lit after 2 days. Then I turned off the breaker to install a GFI on the other wall. Now the switch doesn't light (it works) I bought another switch, still doesn't light inside. I ckecked all the wires and everthing is secure. 1 black for the top and 2 black are for the bottom. any hints?
mizbooboo2u 2 years ago
Sounds like this could be a 3-way switch. Did you watch my video about that type of switch?
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Thanks for the video...but.... trying to install a single pole switch... There's not green wire and my box !!! Just 2 black wires... Help !
missgyver 2 years ago
How about trying to do what I did with my two black wires......
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
you're wonderful :) Thank you so much !
missgyver 2 years ago
they used to never put a ground in lighting switches.just put the black wires under each screw.one wire per screw,doesnt even matter which combonation.one is a hot wire and the other comes from the light the switch just disconects them and conects them.you can touch a hot wire alone and not get shocked.just dont touch the neutral(white) or ground(green or bare copper) wire while touching the hot wire.wear leather gloves and youll never get shocked!
geetarust 2 years ago
1. it does make a difference which wire goes to which screw r ur switch will be upside down , do the job correct first time not a rush job . 2. what if its 2 way switching ? r there is a loop feed at the switch ?
thegalster1888 2 years ago
my house has a one dipole switch that has 3 black wires, and 3 brass terminal screws.... should i connect only 2 of the black wires into a occupancy sensor switch and ignore the green wire that came with the new switch?
jellofast 2 years ago
Wow, o.k. ....
rucosactis 2 years ago
Anyway what I really meant was that the switch would either be as normal up for the on position and down for the off position that's all. not a big deal
rucosactis 2 years ago
Many single-pole switches have molded words saying on and off. Orient the hardware so you're not on your head upsidedown reading it.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Thank You Mr. Tim God bless you man!
rucosactis 2 years ago
my thought is if it doesn't matter where the wires go won't this confuse a person by having the off to on and on to off on the swicth?
rucosactis 2 years ago
No. not at all. Just try it yourself and see what happens.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
When you say that it doesn't matter which wire goes to the screws can't the on off switch maybe backwards? meaning off will be on and on will be off.
rucosactis 2 years ago
It doesn't matter. It's a single-pole switch.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Do you have a similar video for how to wire a GFI/GFCI?
phototristan 2 years ago
No. Just follow the instructions that come with the outlet.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
on a gfci outlet you put the wire that has power comming out of it into the bottom of the plug. if theres another wire that may run another plug goes into the top connection. it should say on the back of the plug on which color wire connects to. GFCI stand for "Ground Fault Circuit Interuption" the plug is desighned to keep you from getting shocked if wired correctly
bradmann85 2 years ago
OMG! that was probably the best youtube video ive ever seen!
weeeeeeeeeeeee1037 3 years ago
This is incomplete. He didn't say what to do with the white wires.
knowb4 3 years ago
Dude, you can't be serious. Did you watch the entire video? Did you not see the white wires are connected to one another? How about the fact that the switch only has two screws besides the ground screw. This video was just showing how to connect the black wires to the switch. It's not a video about wiring the lighting circuit.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
I dont know what everyone here is complaining about in these comments. All Tim is showing you how to do is install a light switch on existing wires, which is not all that difficult. The hardest and most dangerous part is running the wires through the walls, and most DIY'ers would not attempt this themselves, so you electricians who are afraid of the competition can relax. After all, installing a light switch is too easy, there is nothing to it, if you have the knowledge, which Tim is providing.
mpotter7 3 years ago 3
You are right indeed, mate :D
TobAndeland 3 years ago
lol i tried to turn on my switch with a soft air gun and a broke it so now i have to replace it before my parents get home thanks alot vary helpful
d6a6r6kness 3 years ago
I will always try first to do a job myself.
Even if only for the knowledge.
I had my house built new, and have found many faults in the wiring. Yet the inspection passed on the electrical wiring!
Thanks to videos like the ones from Askthebuilder, I have made my home more safe, not less.
I appreciate all the information I receive from his videos. I also understand my limitations.
I have been shocked many times from working on wiring in my house, but will never blame anyone but myself!
delitha1 3 years ago
Thanks for your support. The next tool yous might want to buy would be a voltage tester. :-> No need to work when the power is energized and waiting to zot you. :->
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
great video your 3way and 4 way really helped me out...i actually did all the work in my basement then got friend to inspect it...thank you again it helped me financialy too. one thing for sure i am your great fan...looking forward for some full circuit wiring from the panel 15amp,20amp,40amp.
seny3000 3 years ago
You're not going to like this, but I try to stay away from electrical videos. Some of the electricians out there get their knickers in a knot about them. If I do tape more, I'll turn off the comments as it's so much work arguing with some of them. Many are bitter thinking I'm taking food from their mouths.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
Well, i cant really get all the angry comments that are showing up here. Any reasonable person should know to verify and fully understand any information they procure from the internet. Period. Quite frankly, I hear a lot of protectionism in the comments I have read. These types of videos are great for DIY'ers and frankly any lemming that electrocutes themselves because the didn't respect an electrical circuit, well how are you supposed to protect that sort of ignorance? Great Video!
golgoj4 3 years ago
Thanks for your support. The anger comes from insecure people who feel the way many witch doctors feel. The electricians who are angry don't want common folk to understand how easy and straightforward residential electric is. Many of these electricians think they will be out of work if that happens. They will not openly admit it is what frosts me. They act like the all powerful and mighty Wizard of Oz. It's actually very sad to see them feel so unnecessary.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
Tim, I am an electrician , i got into the trade way back in 1978. Electrical work at the house is usually pretty easy in some ways. Just think logical about what you are doing. One thing to pass on is that to many people and even electricians will use too small of boxes for the wiring that is going into them. There should be a cu in marked inside of boxes to let you know how many wires can go in that box. I have seen boxes so crammed that i would say what idiot did this?
buzzobug 2 years ago