How NOT to Wire Light Switches in 2024 (New Rules)

Come see the correct way to wire single pole, 3-way and 4-way light switches. Two methods for each switch type.

[TomKaren]

I got an eerie feeling during the description of the 3-way and 4-way circuits. Then I realized my father had described this to me in almost exactly the same way in nearly the exact same words when I was a kid... 60 years ago. Great explanation, great channel.

[sirsuse]

Thank you very much John. This is probably the easiest to follow explanation of 3-way switch wiring I have seen on YouTube.

[shockingguy]

I have installed many complicated four-way circuits and three-way circuits in properties, I always draw it out, most of these have included conduit and Romex wiring, so if you have a complicated switch locations just draw it all out and start connecting the dots then figure out how many wires you need between each point and how you’re going to get them there, for example you have a four-way circuit that might have four switches, one by the back sliding door, one out on the patio somewhere in a wall, one upstairs in the bedroom and another by the gate coming into the backyard this is a complex circuit Only in the fact that you will have to figure out how to get all the wire from where it needs to go and then to all the different lighting just draw it out start figuring out your runs and it’s very simple at that point

[NSM]

Thanks for the video! ALWAYS IDENTIFY THE SWITCHLEG DURING THE INSTALLATION! It's easy to figure out the hot wires, but the biggest challenge in trouble shooting several hot wires in a box is trying to figure out which wire is the switch leg. Identification can be whatever: some guys wrap the switch leg around the travelers in a 3-way circuit, some guys use a paint pen, while others use tape. In commercial jobs the switch leg is often a different color wire. The point is the there is some sort of ID on the wire the is not like the others!

[bobd]

Thanks for the explanation!
When I was a teenager, I figured out the three-way wiring schematic for the SPDT switches. Now, decades later, I couldn't figure it out in several tries. The diagrams are a huge help.

[gbinman]

That was easily the clearest diagram/explanation of a 4 way installation. I have that same setup in my home. I spent some time with the 3 switch boxes open trying to figure out what they did. My reason was to install a dimmer. SW1 is the correct switch to replace with the dimmer. I mostly guessed which was SW1 vs SW3 because SW1 was far closer to the load panel. I know I could test with meter to verify and I will before installing the dimmer (future project). Sometimes just looking in boxes is hard to figure what they did. My house was built in 1991 and the electrician was cheap with romex, pretty much always the shortest path possible. You should see my attic, it looks like a spider ran the wiring. They also combined light circuits with receptacles, that may be to code but I don't like it much. When I bought the house, I replaced all the old style toggle switches with rockers.

[jeffsim]

That is the best description of iow to 3 and 4 ways. I've done them before but always takes me longer to watch the videos 4 times than actuslly wire it in.

Yours was clear and concise

[someoneoncesaid]

Going to the switch first, then the light, seems the most logical method. It keeps the wire colors consistent so the homeowner can easily tell what's what if they ever change out switches or lights.

[Acts-]

I really enjoy this channel. Very easy to understand, no swearing, code updates, just great overall!!

I did want to mention that I just wired a 4-way switch and it had 2 black screws and 2 gold screws.

Thanks for the video!

[narlycharley]

This is exactly what YouTube is great for. Thank you for the great video.

[markgriff]

Just wired up a room using the "Dead end method". It works as it should. Thank you for making this video, really took the questions out on how to wire.

[UKCG_]

Excellent explanation of both the proper way to wire a single pole and three-way switch, but also the changes resulting from the code changes!

[Roy-ijwq]

Excellent video. My jurisdiction is 10 years behind the current code and the inspector is more concerned with the lenght of ground wires than the absence of a neutral. People who pull homeowner permits don't realize problems they will encounter if they want to take advantage of new technology and this video is exceptional.

[seephor]

I always include a neutral in a switch box. There are some switch devices today that require one and I've seen people use the ground as the neutral leg in these situations causing a dangerous situation down the line for whoever works on that circuit in the future.

[ChrisD-klty]

9:45 now I finally understand how 3 ways work. I've replaced alot but just match the old and new without a true understanding until just now. Thanks for the clear presentation.

[blackhat]

Nice explanation. Never heard of a Chicago 3way or a California 3way. would loved to have heard what they were. Checked and found another YouTube video that described them.

[jasonwiggins]

Very good explanation. My high school teacher (back in 1997) said that was one of the things that most electricians had issues with. I made it a point to learn 3 way/4 way switch wiring like the back of my hand. Great video!

[michaeldeloatch]

New to your channel, and you enticed me with options 1 and 2 that are not compliant but you didn't explain. Leading me to look them both up. They are marvelous rube goldberg class craziness! Best when used with knob and tubes, I bet, for that extra zing.
Seriously, thanks for a great video.

[Anonymous-zvhk]

This was a great explanation of the latest changes in those parts of the National Electrical Code that are going to affect most homeowners and DIYers. Thanks for taking the time to carefully explain the material and thanks to AG1 for being a sponsor.

[dereksellars]

Thanks for the video! That was very helpful. I always get confused about 3 ways for some reason. But that made a lot of sense. Thank You!!