How to locate wires, a light to switch

Lets say you have a light and a switch and you don't know what wire goes where. You will need a meter for this so you might want to think about buying one if you don't already have one. I posted a cheap one to the right for reference. You don't have to spend allot of money on one.

How to locate wires, a light to switch

If you have any questions please ask in the comment link below, I will answer them to the best of my ability, also if you have future projects that you would like step by step instructions please post in the comment box I will usually answer the same day.

1) Tools

a) meter

b) screwdriver

c) thin flat screw driver

2) Remove the plate cover from the switch. This will be the easiest part of your project. On the top and bottom of the switch there will be small screws. You will need the thin flat head screwdriver to remove these. If the location you are installing the switch has multiple switches you will need to remove all the plate screws. Then remove the plate and place the screws and the plate together for replacing later. Do not lose those little screws believe me they are easy to lose.

3) Remove the switch. OK the fun part. Take a drill or a Phillips head screw driver and take out the screws on the top and bottom of the switch. Now grab the yoke of the switch(that's the top and bottom of the switch) do not grab the switch by the side we want to be sure the power is off and the only way to do this is to pull out the switch. The power is located on the side so if you grab it by the sides and for some reason the power is still on you will get shocked. This is electricity SAFETY FIRST!!!!! So grab the yoke and pull out the switch. If you are in a box with multiple switches you may need to remove multiple switches to be able to pull your switch out far enough to easily work on it. Wires commonly get stuck behind other switches so take the extra step you will wind up doing it anyway after trying to work with short wires and fail. Trust me I tried too.

4) Test the switch and light. When using a meter you will always set it to a voltage higher than what you are working on. Your light is 120v so you will set it to a number higher than that.(probably 200v AC). Your meter has two leads black and red. One will go to the metal box or bare wire in the box and the other lead goes to what you are testing.

a) Make sure the switch is in the off position.

b) Turn the switch to the off position

c) Test both screws on the switch, one of them should have no power. The screw that has no power has the switch leg connected to it. That's the wire we want so take note of the color.

d) Go to the light and test which wires do not have power.

e) Turn the switch to the on position.

f) Go to the light and find the one that was off before but now is on. That's the wire for the light

g) Make sure you have a neutral. So put one lead on the light wire and one lead on the white wire. If your meter should show power.

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John

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. I can not be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.