Switch with a light - Is this wiring right?

[TTA89]

Just when I thought I had it all figured out I'm a little confused by this diagram. I understand the switch needs a neutral to run the light but its not 100% clear if this is where the wires go.



And this is how I think the wiring should be installed:



Does that look right?

 

[Dustball]

Looks right.

 

[augustus]

yeah, that's right

 

[wssix99]

That's right. Good thing you didn't get the 3 way version. (It's really crazy.)

 

[NUTTSGT]

As a DIYer, probably much like you, it is a bit confusing as there is hot on both sides of the switch. Once you stop and picture what the diagram is showing you and run it through your head, it does make sense. I guess it's just odd to see the neutral going to the switch and having the 2nd/3rd languages on it too don't help either.

 

[TTA89]

As a DIYer, probably much like you, it is a bit confusing as there is hot on both sides of the switch. Once you stop and picture what the diagram is showing you and run it through your head, it does make sense. I guess it's just odd to see the neutral going to the switch and having the 2nd/3rd languages on it too don't help either.

A few months ago, I couldn't have told you what colors and how many wires were even in a box. I'm still very much a noobie and I was confused that they call the black screw "common" yet show the line coming in as "hot". I thought "common" meant neutral and so was like... Why doesn't it just say "black screw hot", top silver screw neutral, and bottom brass screw hot to device?" I guess thats why it says to call an electrician.

 

[NUTTSGT]

A few months ago, I couldn't have told you what colors and how many wires were even in a box. I'm still very much a noobie and I was confused that they call the black screw "common" yet show the line coming in as "hot". I thought "common" meant neutral and so was like... Why doesn't it just say "black screw hot", top silver screw neutral, and bottom brass screw hot to device?" I guess thats why it says to call an electrician.

We all start somewhere, I've learned way more on this site than I've taught others. This place is chock full of pro guys and some serious DIYers willing to share their knowledge if you're willing to learn. Don't be afraid to ask these guys but keep in mind a few may be wrong (whole board in general) and you just have to sort through some advice sometimes.

 

[justsam]

You will find in the electrical trade that common typically refers to the "*******" or movable portion of a multi position switch, such as would be used in a three way application.

Do not confuse "common" and "neutral" as common is typically hot or will be hot in certain switch positions.

I am using a similar switch as you but 3 way. It works as designed but the pilot light is not too bright and I have missed t on occasion.

 

[rburke65]

That switch does not have 2 constant hots. You have one hot feed in the upper left and the the "switched leg".... which turns the light off and on.....is one the lower right. So you have a hot and a switch leg.

 

[justsam]

That switch does not have 2 constant hots. You have one hot feed in the upper left and the the "switched leg".... which turns the light off and on.....is one the lower right. So you have a hot and a switch leg.

.......and a neutral for the pilot, which you would not normally have were it not for the pilot light.

 

[TTA89]

It works!

I mounted it near my garage lights so I won't forget that the compressor is on when I leave. Awesome! Thanks for the help!

 

[manwithtools]

Ah - good job, all face plate screws properly aligned as they should be in any good garage. The up-most left looks like it may not be tightened all the way though....

 

[theoldwizard1]

As a DIYer, probably much like you, it is a bit confusing as there is hot on both sides of the switch.

More correctly, the BLACK screw should be labeled "HOT (Line/Supply)" and the SILVER screw should be labeled "HOT (Switched)".

I guess it's just odd to see the neutral going to the switch ...

Yeah, in the OLD DAYS, a pilot light switch used ground as the return path.