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Wiring of a light switch in the middle of a circuit

Wiring a light switch in the middle of a circuit is necessary when there is more than one outlet in the circuit, but the light in question is not at the end. A circuit is a large loop in which the current is carried to the various outlets, lamps, and other devices via the hot wire and returns to the source via the neutral wire. In the course of this loop, the circuit can be isolated in parts and form smaller loops. This is the basic idea of how you can wire a switch to control a light or outlet while allowing the current to flow freely beyond it.

Installing the switch box and light box

The work begins with the placement of the light box and switch box. Lay them out and attach the plastic boxes to their respective locations. Usually, the light box is located in a room on the ceiling, but it does not have to be. The switch box should be placed at a convenient height near the entrance to the room. Both of them may have nails for fastening. If not, attach them to the frame with nails or screws.

Run cables through the light box

Make sure the single circuit is turned off before starting work. Test it with a voltmeter to be sure. Cut the wire at the light box so you have enough room to work. Strip the insulation off both ends by at least 15 centimetres and disconnect the wires at each end.

Wire the hot connection

Remove a piece of white wire from the extra cable (long enough to reach from the light box to the switch) and mark both ends with black tape. Run the white wire with the black marker to the switch and connect it to the bottom brass or gold screw on the switch.

Wire neutral wires

Using another wire nut, make another pigtail connection between the neutral (white) wires from the power source, the white wire from the light fixture, and the white wire going to the next outlet.

Wire the ground wires

Connect the ground wires (bare copper or green) from the power source, the next outlet, and the switch with a final nut. Again, use the pigtail connection. Plastic light boxes and switch boxes do not require additional grounding. If you have a metal box, connect a fourth ground wire and attach it to the designated screw on the box.

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