14 November 2023
Every evening, when the natural light starts to be scarce, we systematically turn on our lights. This gesture is very easy to do! The hand on the push button and the light springs up in the whole room. However, when we do electrical work at home, plugging in a switch quickly becomes easier said than done. Thanks to CD Engineering, your electrician specialised in electrical installations in Brussels, you will discover how to correctly wire your single or double throw switch.
Before any operation on your electrical circuit, it is very important to cut off the general power supply. An appliance that is always powered is a dangerous device in all your electrical work. We also recommend that you check that your circuit is de-energized. For optimal safety, you can also work with insulated tools.
To begin, it is important to go through a little theory. We will distinguish the difference between a single switch and a two-way switch. The former is the easiest to make because each push button controls one light. It simply connects to the corresponding terminals on your electrical panel with two wires: neutral and phase. If you want to connect two control points on the same circuit, you will have to wire two-way switches.
The first step in wiring a two-way switch is to view the wiring diagram. In this type of connection, only the phase wire differs from the usual electrical plan. The neutral wire (blue) and the ground wire (green – yellow) connect the lighting directly to the electrical panel. The first switch is connected to the phase while the second wire connects directly to the lighting. Two other wires called “shuttle wires” connect the two switches.
If you are building a new home and creating a two-way switch connection, you will need to drill holes in your walls. If you are renovating your electrical system, you can work on the wires from your old switch.
After understanding the theory of how to wire a switch, the second step is practical. To do this, you will need to start by identifying the different wires that are useful: the wire called “phase” and the shuttle wires. Next, get the new two-way switch you want to install. Connect the wires to the corresponding terminals. The phase wire connects to the L terminal while the two shuttle wires connect to the 1 and 2 terminals. When this is done, carefully store all wires in the back box. Make sure that no wires get caught or damaged during this process. You can then secure the switch connection with the appropriate fasteners provided, and install the cover plate. Repeat the operation as many times as there are switches to be connected. This time insert the controlled phase at the L terminal connected to the light.
When all this is done, turn on the power and enjoy your new installation. In any case, always follow the instructions provided with your switch. If the operation is too complex, contact a certified electrician like CD Engineering who will check your connection and ensure a 100% functional electrical installation.
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