Turn the power back on and use a noncontact voltage tester to locate the hot wire. Watch this video to learn how to install a light switch.
How To Install An Old Work Retrofit Electrical Box
How to install a light and switch. Cut openings for the wiring. From the switch new 2 wire cable is run to the new light location. Wiring a new switch and light from an outlet in this diagram power is taken from an existing wall outlet for a new switch and light fixture. Its fast and easy to do. Keep the two wires together because youll need to create a pigtail which involves connecting multiple wires together with a wire nut in order to turn two or more wires into a single connection that you can then connect to the switchs screw. Second twist the two white wires together and screw on a wire nut.
The video tutorial goes through the rough in installation and hookup process for a single pole light switch in a residential home. If the light switch has a ground screw on it usually green and at the bottom of the switch connect it now. There are many ways to control and automate your lights with smartthings. Be sure to match the switch box height to those in the rest of your home. Attach a grounding wire to the green screw in the. First of all we should connect the ground wires to the box.
Besides purchasing the switch here are the materials and tools you will need. Phillips head screwdriver wire stripper slotted screwdriver electrical tape long nose pliers voltage tester. Attach the power wires to the brass terminal screws so the rounded hooks point clockwise. The switch comes first in the new part of the circuit and new 2 wire cable is run to it from the outlet. Assuming it is a steel box. To help guide you through wiring a light switch yourself we wanted to highlight a great post from the smartthings community posted by sidjohn1.
Start the light fixture installation project by turning the power off at the main electrical panel unscrewing the switch and pull it out the switch. Be sure to shut off the power before installing an electrical device. The how to video uses a 15 amp light switch and 142 indoor. Cut openings into the ceiling or wall surfaces for the boxes for the switch es and for the fixture support by first tracing around the box on the wall or ceiling surface. If you choose to control your overhead lighting with smart switches or dimmers youll either want to hire an electrician to install the switch or wire the light yourself. Position the switch so its on when its lever is up.
Remove the wire nut on the neutral wires by unscrewing it.