I am in the process of replacing all of the old outlets and switches in the garage. When I went to replace the switches, I found that many of them have a black, white, and RED wire connected to them. Can someone tell me what the red wire is for?? I was going to use standard switches, but they only have 2 terminals on them and the small green ground.
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wiring question
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ranger_dood
Well-known member
Black- Hot
White- Neutral
Red- switched
You would use this for, say a ceiling fan, where you want the fan to always have power, but the lights to be on a switch. Or perhaps for a switched outlet...
White- Neutral
Red- switched
You would use this for, say a ceiling fan, where you want the fan to always have power, but the lights to be on a switch. Or perhaps for a switched outlet...
ok, that's what I was thinking, but wanted to ask. I assume there are different switches for those than the standard light switch? If I replace that switch with just a standard light switch, it will only work from that particular switch????
If I replace that switch with just a standard light switch, it will only work from that particular switch????
Maybe, maybe not. Its a bit involved, so to save time, check out this site
http://www.electrical-online.com/howtoarticles/3&4WaySwitches.htm
You should be able to then determine how your wiring was done and replace the switch or switches.
This has to be one of the most frequent questions asked about household wiring. By the time its answered, I think it makes the person who ask the question, think they'd been lied to.
Good luck.
Maybe, maybe not. Its a bit involved, so to save time, check out this site
http://www.electrical-online.com/howtoarticles/3&4WaySwitches.htm
You should be able to then determine how your wiring was done and replace the switch or switches.
This has to be one of the most frequent questions asked about household wiring. By the time its answered, I think it makes the person who ask the question, think they'd been lied to.
Good luck.
TOMWELDS
Well-known member
To avoid a BIG headache...make sure you dont wire the "common" wire to the wrong terminal. Mark it before you take it off the old switch.
TOMWELDS
Well-known member
To avoid a BIG headache...make sure you dont wire the "common" wire to the wrong terminal. Mark it before you take it off the old switch.
I got them swapped out pretty easily. The only problem I found was on the garage light switch. There are 2 switches for them. One of the switches only works when I turn the lights on at the main switch. It isn't a big deal since I almost never use that switch....
ranger_dood
Well-known member
slapshot- that's the purpose of the 3 way switches....
All of the other dual switch circuits I have control the circuit both on and off from both switches.
On this one, I have to turn the lights on at the primary switch. Then I can turn them on or of from the other one. But if the primary switch is off, the second switch does nothing.....
On this one, I have to turn the lights on at the primary switch. Then I can turn them on or of from the other one. But if the primary switch is off, the second switch does nothing.....