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How to wire/combine 4 single switches in one box for 4 lights

Asked Feb 7, 2009, 09:12 PM — 13 Answers
I want to wire 4 flourescent lights separately on single switches but want to put the switches in one blue box. Other words, I want to be able to turn on one light at a time, or turn on 3 different lights at a time. How do I run the wires in the switch box? Do I pigtail all of the switches? The lights is in my garage that I am finishing off. Thanks

13 Answers
creahands's Avatar
creahands Posts: 2,507, Reputation: 884
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#2

Feb 8, 2009, 04:57 AM
You will not have to use pigtails if you have the power going to each light.

If power comes into the switch box, you will have to use use pigtail to one side of wire coming from power to each switch. One leg of wire from each light will go to each switch.
The other wires from lights will be tied together with other side of power.

Hope this helps.Good luck
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spanky third's Avatar
spanky third Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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#3

Feb 12, 2009, 09:07 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by creahands View Post
You will not have to use pigtails if you have the power going to each light.

If power comes into the switch box, you will have to use use pigtail to one side of wire coming from power to each switch. One leg of wire from each light will go to each switch.
The other wires from lights will be tied together with other side of power.

Hope this helps.Good luck
Thanks Creahands, I am not quite clear on this yet. I am new at this as you can tell. I have one line with power coming in and leaving the box. I have the 4 wires run for the 4 lights. I will twist all the white wires together. I will twist all the ground wires together. I will connect the black wire from each light cable to the bottom screw on each switch. How do get the power to all 4 switches? Do I cut one short black wire and wrap it around the top screw of each switch and twist it together with the other black wires? Do I cut a short ground wire and twist it with all the other ground wires and attach to the grounding screw on the switch? Need some more instructions please. Thanks from spanky third
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Stratmando's Avatar
Stratmando Posts: 10,434, Reputation: 2520
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#4

Feb 13, 2009, 04:56 AM
You will need 4 short pieces of black wire, about 8". Connect these 4 short wires with the 2 other blacks(in and out).
Then each of the 4 wires goes to each switch.
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creahands's Avatar
creahands Posts: 2,507, Reputation: 884
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#5

Feb 13, 2009, 05:42 AM
Hi spanky third
Stratmando has covered the set up for the power to the switches. You should also connect a ground wire to each ground lug on each switch. You will need 4 ground wires about 8" long.
If you are using metal box, connect a ground wire to the box. Tie all ground wires together. Use wire nut to hold secure.
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spanky third's Avatar
spanky third Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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#6

Feb 13, 2009, 08:07 AM
[quote=Stratmando;1546000]You will need 4 short pieces of black wire, about 8". Connect these 4 short wires with the 2 other blacks(in and out).
Then each of the 4 wires goes to each switch.[/QUOTE

Thanks Stratmando, I will let you know when I put these wires together. I thought 6 wires in one little connector was too much. Have a good day. Spanky third
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spanky third's Avatar
spanky third Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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#7

Feb 13, 2009, 08:18 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by creahands View Post
Hi spanky third
Stratmando has covered the set up for the power to the switches. You should also connect a ground wire to each ground lug on each switch. You will need 4 ground wires about 8" long.
If you are using metal box, connect a ground wire to the box. Tie all ground wires together. Use wire nut to hold secure.
Thanks Creahands, I am using a plastic box so I will not be grounding to the box. That is a lot of wires to twist together but I am going to try this within about 2 hours. Thanks so much for your help. Have a nice day. Spanky third
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Stratmando's Avatar
Stratmando Posts: 10,434, Reputation: 2520
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#8

Feb 13, 2009, 11:06 AM
Wold be nice if in a 4 gang box.
If a 2 gang box, you could use 2 dual slide dimmers.
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Tev's Avatar
Tev Posts: 232, Reputation: 99
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#9

Feb 13, 2009, 11:43 AM
Just be sure to use the correct size wire nut. It should be listed on the package how many of each size wire the nut is good for.
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Stratmando's Avatar
Stratmando Posts: 10,434, Reputation: 2520
Uber Member
 
#10

Feb 13, 2009, 12:20 PM
You can always have 4 of the connections in a wirenut, and connect 3 more wires in a wirenut with a small jumper, connecting the 2 groups.
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