How To Rough In a Switch Box Feeding Lights & Outlets

In this video we rip out, do up, & rough in, a single gang switch box that will also pass through power to some receptacles uninterrupted while also switching power to a couple of lighting fixtures. Hopefully this will give you a good idea of what that process looks like.

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0:00 - Switch Box Rough In Intro
0:38 - Labeling & Prep Work
1:50 - Stripping & Trimming The Cables
3:19 - Connecting Ground Wires (Pigtail)
6:56 - Connecting Neutral Wires (Pigtail)
9:29 - Connecting Hot Wires (Switch+Pass Through)
11:42 - Trimming Pigtails & Wire Summary
12:20 - NEC & Safety For Neutrals
13:11 - Switch Installation
17:54 - Completion
18:40 - SUBSCRIBE!!!

Blessings from Minnesota,

Ben

[dhender]

16 year sparky here
1) when pulling wire into the box, pull one tail extra long per gang. That gives you extra wire for pig tails at each box.
2) always lable your Romex. Not necessary if you're just going outlet to outlet, but if you have switches, it helps keep everything organized. It also gives you a ready made label after you strip.
3) linesman pliers make twisting easier.
4) an ECX bit makes driving the screws about easier. A Phillips bit is more likely to strip the head.
5) over all, great video. Pretty much every modern electrician agrees with not backstabbing, and I agree with the tape. We generally wrap kitchen outlets because the tile guys usually have to do backsplash, and I usually tape if it's in a metal box.

[jaywood]

One of the better tutorials-thanks! I use a hook blade to slit the romex sheath, and diagonal cutters to cut off the pieces. I also use crimp connector on the grounds, leaving one (or more as needed) long to connect to the device(s), and leave that ground pigtail a bit longer as it has a loop in the end, but the other conductors sometimes do not. One other bit, when adding a pigtail, if you bend it instead of the rest of the wires, it helps to keep it even with the group, avoids bending the rest of the wires, which makes their ends uneven, and allows adding a bit of tension when twisting the wires, helping them lay together.

[ricoludovici]

I always enjoy your vids. Real clear. Straightforward explanations. Real-world scenarios. I also like how neat your work is.

But the best part is how you do all this super-neat and professional work in those old houses. I started out in the midwest before I moved to California, where most of the houses are post-WWII vintage. There is nothing I like more or would have enjoyed doing more than modernizing the wiring in a 1900s farmhouse. Like, making it bright enough to actually work sun the basement. And all the wires are run parallel and square along the structural members. Like you do there.

Don't stop. Of course, there are a lot of paste-eaters in the trades too. The only thing they agree on is that you are doing it wrong. But you are doing it just right. You ought to do a 'This Old Wiring' with The Sparky Channel.

[scottalexander]

I have watched a million videos on this same topic, and hands down, this has been the best one I have seen. Very informative, good camera work. Keep it up, and cant wait to watch future videos.

[jonathanlamarche]

I’m currently doing the electrical rough in on a house I’m building by myself. Watching lots of videos (and reading a lot of NEC) and yours videos are extremely helpful. Thank you.

[billhandymanbill]

Excellent step-by-step video! In all the years I have done electrical work, I have never used the back stab method. My 15 year old house was back stabbed on every outlet and switch when done by the original electrician. I have found two switch bodies cracked at the back stab hole and both switches eventually failed because of back stabbing since the wires fell out of the switches. Using tape over the screws is a “belt and suspenders” safety approach and a personal preference of the installer.

[abulbrahman]

A very thorough description of how to wire electrical connections. Thanks a lot.

[edmorrow]

This was by far the best wiring instructional video I've seen. I have been looking for this video all weekend

[robertlane]

You are the man, your wirenuts have wings, no back stabbing and proper wire direction on the screw terminals. I would have no problem working with you on an electrical project.

[tallpaul]

Wago type plug in connectors really simplify the process and allow the switch or outlet to be pre wired on the bench in bulk and easily “plugged in “ when ready. And they also eliminate the need for pigtails. The cost is well worth the convenience. IMO. Excellent content. Thanks for the video. ✌🏻🇺🇸

[bluestarorion]

Greetings! Thank you for all this amazing content! I am quite OCD, and seeing neat, tidy and labeled electrical work is a breath of fresh air. I almost was convinced to DIY a subpanel for my electric car (my main panel is FULL), but since I know it would have taken me days of work, I hired a professional that will do it in 4 hours. After that, I'll be installing all my new circuits into that box, and tidying up my old box as well.

[hms]

Very understandable, love it! Next time use the holes in your wire strippers to make the loops, makes it soo much easier.

[tonytigro]

Great explanation. Also using electric tape is always a good practice! Keep up the good work! Thank you.

[Rawhide_Rumble]

I watched so many videos... And you actually explained it perfectly to a average person like me! For the life of me... I could not understand why there are 3 black wires coming out of my electric switch. At 10:19 mark, it totally made sense 👍👍 Awesome video!

[YourAflacGal]

OMWord! I have watched COUNTLESS videos and this was the ONLY one that made complete sense AND was easy to follow!
Thank you !

[fsoileau]

Looks like a proper box make-up. Good job.

[camerondavis]

Very helpful. Thank you fir the comments regarding the smart switches. I was wondering when it became standard for home wiring. Now knowing it is just a neutral wire I am not questioning my ability to install a smart switch.

[kirktrussell]

Great teaching video on how to do it right. Clear and concise. Thks! Non-electrician / self-Home builder!

[illestofdemall]

Linesman pliers will do the twist or pre-twist easier than the needle nose.

[lamnag]

Thanks Benjamin, always a pleasure to watch. You have helped me so much as a home owner.