How to tap to a light switch?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
How to tap to a light switch?
Just got a new light switch but it has 2 brass screws + ground.
The box has regular 12-2 cable coming in so there is white, black and neutral.
Have 2 questions:
How do I connect this switch since I only have 1 black wire?
I would also like to run a new cable (always on) to a new outlet that would be end of run..... how to do ?
I was thinking I could pig tail the incoming power cable and then get the switch and the new outlet connected but still not sure how to do it with a switch that only has 2 brass screws.
thanks!
The box has regular 12-2 cable coming in so there is white, black and neutral.
Have 2 questions:
How do I connect this switch since I only have 1 black wire?
I would also like to run a new cable (always on) to a new outlet that would be end of run..... how to do ?
I was thinking I could pig tail the incoming power cable and then get the switch and the new outlet connected but still not sure how to do it with a switch that only has 2 brass screws.
thanks!
#2
Just got a new light switch but it has 2 brass screws + ground.
The box has regular 12-2 cable coming in so there is white, black and neutral.
The box has regular 12-2 cable coming in so there is white, black and neutral.
I was thinking I could pig tail the incoming power cable and then get the switch and the new outlet connected
#3
Member
Thread Starter
yes - you are right...I checked the run and see that the power comes to the light and then it goes to the switch....so the white should have been re-labeled as black
#5
With the wiring as described you cannot run a new cable from this switch box to a new receptacle.
In other words you cannot tap this light switch.
You need to run the cable from the light fixture box (where the power comes in) or run a cable from a different recepbacle location to your new receptacle (some obscure limitations apply).
In other words you cannot tap this light switch.
You need to run the cable from the light fixture box (where the power comes in) or run a cable from a different recepbacle location to your new receptacle (some obscure limitations apply).
#6
Member
Thread Starter
by the way.... why is it that most of the time I see duplex receptacle connected by white wire going to the top screw and the black to the bottom ?
Since the receptacle terminals are connected I would imagine to just connect white and black to the top terminals.
Since the receptacle terminals are connected I would imagine to just connect white and black to the top terminals.
#7
I have not noticed any pattern or habit of connecting the black wire to the top gold screw and the white neutral to the bottom silver screw.
Must be because hardly anybody uses his right hand to wield the screwdriver to attach the black wire and his left hand to wield the screwdriver for the white wire. Instead he might always screw the wire to the top right screw as he sees it and when the receptcle is finally stuffed into a vertical box the other wire is on the bottom left screw.
Must be because hardly anybody uses his right hand to wield the screwdriver to attach the black wire and his left hand to wield the screwdriver for the white wire. Instead he might always screw the wire to the top right screw as he sees it and when the receptcle is finally stuffed into a vertical box the other wire is on the bottom left screw.
#8
Member
Thread Starter
I am not an electrician so can't say I have good sampling here but just that almost every diagram / drawing etc... shows the white wire connected to the top silver and the black wire to the bottom gold screw.....as if this mattered.
#9
why is it that most of the time I see duplex receptacle connected by white wire going to the top screw and the black to the bottom ?
#10
Member
Thread Starter
CasualJoe....I guess you didn't understand my question....BECAUSE it doesn't matter if you attach the wire to the top or bottom screw....why is it that every picture, diagram and book shows it that way, when in fact it would make more sense to just connect the wires on the same level.....would make it easier for future when you decide to extend the run and add a receptacle after.
I was just wondering why most books/website illustrate it with the wires diagonal of each other.
I was just wondering why most books/website illustrate it with the wires diagonal of each other.
#12
It is easier to loop the wire around the screw from the outside instead of from between the two screws. Functionality it makes no difference .
#13
CasualJoe....I guess you didn't understand my question
There is no top or bottom to a duplex recetacle therefore there is no top or bottom screw. Now, what you are talking about makes no difference.