Electrical Wiring Installation How To Lighting

How to Control a Light Bulb by a Single Way or One-way Switch?

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How to Wire a Light Switch? Controlling a Lamp by Single Way Switch

In today basic home electrical wiring installation tutorial, we will show how to wire a light switch to control a light point by one way or single way switch.

We will use the basic SPST (Single Pole Single Through) switch in this tutorial to control a lamp / bulb from single location.

Before go in details, we have to show the basic construction and operating mechanism of single way switch which is shown in fig below:

Construction & Working of one way SPST (Single Pole Single Through) Switch

Below is a simple step by step tutorial with schematic and wiring diagram which shows how to wire a light switch to control the bulb/lamp from single place with the help of one way or single way switch?

Requirements:

Single Way Switch (SPST = Single Pole Single Through) x 1 No
Lamp (Light Bulb) x 1 No
Short pieces of cables x 3 No

Procedure:

This is just like a series circuit i.e. all the components are connected in series. Just connect the Neutral wire directly to the light bulb and then connect the light bulb to the switch through middle wire. And then connect the live wire to the switch as shown in fig below. Fig given below shows the basic connection of light switch and their position i.e. when the switch is OFF, the circuit acts like an open circuit and the bulb won’t glow. To switch on the bulb, switch S₁must be closed to complete the circuit and glow the light bulb.

How to Control a Light Bulb by a Single Way or One-way Switch? — Wiring a Light Switch

In fig below, schematic and wiring diagrams of light switches are shown which shows how to wire a light switch?

Also note that home wire colors may vary according to different areas. In addition, always use and connect the earth wire (direct naked wire to switches, and electrical appliances from earth link in the distribution board to reduce the risk of electric shock and hazard) which is not shown in the figures above.

Good to know:

Switches and fuses must be connected through line (Live) wire.
Switches connection in series is not a prefer way to wire home appliances. parallel or series-parallel wiring method is more reliable.
Less wires and cables are required in this kind of wiring connection.

Warning:

Electricity is Our Enemy, if you give it a chance to kill you, Remember, they will never miss it. Please read all caution and instruction while doing this tutorial in practical.
Disconnect the power source before servicing, repairing or installing electrical equipments.
Never try to work on electricity without proper guidance and care.
Work with electricity only in presence of those persons who has good knowledge and practical work and experience who know how to deal with electricity.
Read all instruction and cautions and follow them strictly.
Contact the licensed electrician or the power supply company before practicing any change in electrical wiring connection.
The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information or if you try any circuit in wrong format. So please! Be careful because it’s all about electricity and electricity is too dangerous.

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