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View Full Version : Wiring power to a light switch...


se7en47
Feb 1, 2012, 11:25 PM
I would like to wire power to a light switch which would then lead to a pot light. Simple enough, but then I would like to continue the power source from that same light switch to power another fixture, which would then lead to its own light switch on another wall.

Any ideas on how to wire up that first switch to allow for the power to "pass through" to the second fixture?

hkstroud
Feb 2, 2012, 08:48 AM
Three ways to do it. All depends on which way is the easiest and uses the least wire.

1st way
Run 2-wire cable bringing power to first switch. Run 2-wire cable from first switch to first light. Run 2-wire cable from first switch to second switch. Run 2-wire cable from second switch to second light.

2nd way
Run 2-wire cable bringing power to first switch. Run 3-wire cable to first light. Run 2-wire cable from first light to second light. Run 2-wire cable from second light to second switch. One wire of the 3-wire cable will be used to take power to second light through the first light box. Other wire will be used to power the first light.

3rd way
Run 2-wire cable, bringing power to first light, run 2-wire cable from first light to second light, bringing power to second light. Run 2-wire cable from each light to each switch for switch leg.

Which way do you want to do it?

ballengerb1
Feb 2, 2012, 10:37 AM
I generally agree with Harold but I think you possibly mean that you don't want both switches to control both lights, am I right. Sounds like you may want each switch to control only the one light. Please clarify.

se7en47
Feb 2, 2012, 11:59 PM
I think I'll do it the 1st way you mention... Thanks for the help!

hkstroud
Feb 3, 2012, 06:47 AM
The first way is the easiest to understand.
The second way is the easiest way to do if it is easier to bring power to the switch but it does require a short length of 3-conductor (4-wire) cable.
The third way is the easiest way if it is just as easy or easier to bring power light fixture.
If you would like I will draw you a diagram of the wiring connections.

se7en47
Feb 4, 2012, 11:08 PM
Thanks Harold, I wired it up today and works perfectly...