What are the red and white wires on a light switch?
The red and black wires running from SW1 to the outlet are used as travelers. At the outlet, the travelers are spliced to run to SW2 using the red and white wires in that cable. The white wire is marked black on both ends to identify it as hot.
What happens when you turn on a light switch?
Understanding how the switch is wired is the most important part. 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.
What’s the best way to remove a light switch?
Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the switch cover, and a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the existing switch from the box. Use a screw driver to loosen the screws holding the electrical wires on the side of the switch, and then disconnect the wires from the switch itself.
How can you tell if a light switch is grounded?
Keep the wires separated by bending them to opposite corners of the box. If the switch is grounded, remove the grounding wire last. There will be three wires: one black, one white, and a separate ground wire that may be bare copper or is sometimes wrapped in green. Inspect the quality of the wires.
The red and black wires running from SW1 to the outlet are used as travelers. At the outlet, the travelers are spliced to run to SW2 using the red and white wires in that cable. The white wire is marked black on both ends to identify it as hot.
What does a three way light switch mean?
A three-way light switch is one where you have two switches that have the ability to control the same light or set of lights. Therefore, the 2 switches + the light = 3 way. There will be an additional wire needed (often red) to connect the switches together to a dedicated screw or input on the switch that is specifically marked for this purpose.
How does a single pole light switch work?
A standard single pole light switch will simply require you to attach the black (load) wire into it, and then the black wire leaving the switch and to your lights. The switch serves to cut the power from reaching the light switch. The white or neutral wire bypasses the switch and goes straight to your lights.
What’s the best way to wire a light switch?
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 to the screws on the light switch. Your switch may have slots to push the wires straight into place rather than use the screws on the side.