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| Wall switches are generally rated
120-277
volt AC.
Look for volt and amp rating embossed on the electrical device. Do not exceed rating. Using 20 Amp switch on a 15 Amp circuit is potentially dangerous. It is acceptable to use 15 Amp switch on a 20 Amp circuit. For 240 volt applications, use double-pole switch. For other voltages, such as 480-347-600 volt etc, and for 3-phase applications, use switch or timer to activate contactor. |
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30 amp switch Single-pole/ 2-pole on-off switches Buy: 30 amp 2-pole switch 30 amp industrial grade |
30 amp double-pole Heavy duty double-pole switches to turn off both hot wires in 240 volt circuit. Always rated 240 volt. Buy: 30 amp motor switch 40 amp motor switch |
30 amp DPDT DPDT switch can be used to toggle between 2 different voltages. Buy: 30 amp DPDT switch Resource: Use this switch to toggle water heater between 120-240 volt |
Ordinary 15-20 amp Ordinary 15-20 amp toggle switch. Buy: 15 amp switch 20 amp switch |
pilot light switch Indicator light shows when Load is ON. Buy: Pilot light switch Resource: How to wire pilot light switch |
GFCI Switch Requires neutral wire. Add GFCI outlet to same box as switch. Buy: Leviton Combination GFCI Combination GFCI Amazon Resources: How to wire GFCI combo |
Combination Switch Requires neutral wire. Add outlet to same box as switch. Buy: Combination switch outlet Resources: How to wire GFCI combo |
3 & 4-way switch 4-way switch is used with two 3-way switches to add more switches to control one light. Always rated 120-277 volt. Buy: 4-way switch |
Double & triple switch Multiple switches in one box. Buy: Double switches Triple switches |
Center off Switch Momentary contact Use to activate delay timer or sound bell. Buy: Center off Switch Resources: How to wire delay timer |
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There are four basic types
of switches: single-pole, 3-way, 4-way double pole. Within this group, there are variations and specialty switches. Always use correct volt and amp rating for Load (light, fan, motor) Each switch has a volt and amp rating that is embossed into the plastic or metal. Use correct size wire for amp load Not shown: commercial 3-phase motor starter switch with 6 terminals. Read about 3 phase vs single phase |
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 Use
only solid copper wire. Stranded wire will come loose
under high amperage load and cause sparks, failure, fire. Use correct size wire for amp loadAttach stranded wire to solid wire using wire connector, then connect solid wire to screw terminal. Tighten screws very tight against wire. Clean end of wire, then bend a loop using needle nose pliers, and put loop under the screw terminal for maximum hold. When using quick connects located on back of device, strip wire to length using the strip guide on device, insert wire fully using hand or push using needle nose pliers. After insertion, pull on wire to ensure it is safely held in place. Do not use quick connects for high amperage loads. Each switch, outlet and other electrical device must be attached to and contained within approved electrical enclosure (box) with a cover to help prevent fire caused by sparks, overheating, and melting. Basic house wiring |
 Quick
connect releaseThe quick connection can come loose and fail. Causes include damp location, cheap electric device, and outdoor installation with extreme temperature swings. To release wire from quick connects: Push small screwdriver into slot next to hole, while pulling on wire > usually takes 3 hands: one to hold device, one to push screwdriver into slot, and one to pull wire. Sometimes the screwdriver needs to be pushed upward or downward to release wire. Resources: Timer switch combo .pdf |
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 Never
assume power is OFF/ always testUse non-contact voltage tester on timer, on wire, on outlet to see if power is present. Press button on tester, if single beep then no power is present. If continuous beep then power is present. Never stand on bare ground, always stand on dry boards, do not hold or touch anything metal when working on timer or water heater that has power, tape tester leads to wood sticks, never touch wet water heater, or flooded water heater, or timer that had a short or fire without turning power OFF. Buy testers: Multimeters at Amazon Buy non-contact voltage tester at Amazon Electric testers at Amazon |
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'Old school' wiring works correctly, but is no longer code because white wire carries power. Single pole - No Neutral Power at light fixture in ceiling All wiring must be inside a box with cover How to wire switches with no neutral wire Power enters at light fixture There are no white wires covered with wire nut and pushed to back of box. Wire colors can vary |
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Correct wiring. Single pole - Neutral in box How to wire switch with neutral wires present inside switch box Single-pole is when 1 switch control light(s) single-pole switch has 2 dark screws or 2 brass screws, and 1 ground screw Neutral wires are never connected to switch. Location of neutral wire affects switch wiring, because wire color can change If neutrals are present inside box, then they will be the white wires that are twisted together, covered with wire nut and pushed to back of box. Resources: Steps for replacing typical switch How to troubleshoot loose wire, ground fault, or short |
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Single
pole - Neutral - in junction box Any box can be a junction box... with wires that go to other boxes How to wire switch inside junction box, with neutral wires Neutral is never connected to switch. Neutral wire is never connected to switch Outlet boxes always have neutral wire Switch boxes and ceiling boxes can have neutral, or they can be without neutral wire. It is against code to connect 20 amp switch or outlet to 15 amp breaker (white 14 gauge wire) ,,, but ok to connect 15 amp switch or outlet to 20 amp breaker (yellow 12 gauge wire) |
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Basic 120Volt circuit Resource Basic house wiring Timers replace single-pole and 3-way switch Resources: Programmable timers How to wire timers     |
 1 switch and 2 lightsLarger image |
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Review:
Basic 120V and 240V wiring 120Volt circuit requires 2 wires to complete circuit 120Volt requires Hot and Neutral When installing a switch, the Hot wire is cut, and switch installed. Switches always turn the Hot wire on-off. Neutral wires are never connected to switch Only the hot wire is turned on-off. The neutral is always continuous between Load and breaker box 240Volt circuit also requires 2 wires to complete circuit 240Volt requires Hot1 and Hot2. No Neutral wire is involved in 240Volt circuit Read more 240Volt circuit can be turned on-off by cutting power to either Hot1 or Hot2 Double-pole Switches can turn both Hot wires on-off. Resources: Electricity from pole to breaker box How to replace circuit breaker How to select wire size and breaker size Maximum 12 boxes per 120volt circuit |
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3-way switches
- Neutral in box How to wire 3-way switches with neutral wires 3-way is when 2 switches control same light(s) 3-way switch has 1 dark screw (common), 2 brass screws, and 1 ground screw.  Common screw is marked on back of device Most 3-way switches, the common screw is different color than other two screws. -Recognize a 3-way switch because it has 3 screws. (excluding ground screw) -3-way switch can be used as ordinary single pole switch by using the common screw and either of the other two screws. Resources: Change 3-way switch into single-pole switch Add outlet to 3-way switches |
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3-way
combo device: Requires Neutral in box 3-way switch with outlet is called combination 3-way switch Requires neutral wire Single-pole combination switch wiring: scroll down page Common screws have break-away fin. If fin is attached, then both common screws are bonded electrically, so connect Hot to either common screw When installing this device on Load side, remove break-away fin between common screws, and run Hot wire to dark screw opposite the outlet See image for getting Load side outlet to work at all times Image Resources: Leviton 5245 manual See single-pole combo switch wiring Replace outlet with combo switch Buy: Leviton 5245 at Amazon |
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3-way
switches - No neutral - power at light
in ceiling How to wire 3-way switches with no neutral wire |
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3-way switches
control 240Volt water heater (or motor) Use ordinary 15 amp 3-way switches from hardware store Must add busman fuseholder with 15 amp fuse. This will protect line and switches from over-amp and fire. 240Volt coil on DPDT contactor. Resources More water heater switches Contactors Busman fuseholder Wire and breaker size |
3-way switch and
3-way timer Neutral wire not needed for this installation ST01C programmable timer requires no neutral since timer has battery Connect 3-way switch to 3-way timer as shown When power is applied to red wire, the timer program reverses Buy: Intermatic ST01c timer at Amazon/ 1 year warranty> Intermatic ST01 timer Ei600 5-year warranty timer at Amazon CR2 replacement battery at Amazon Resources: How to program and wire ST01 timer Load ratings for Intermatic timers/ pdf Intermatic ST01C & Ei600 Step-by-step installation of contactor Figure volts-amps-watts for your water heater Resources How to wire 3-way timer How to control water heater with two 3-way switches How to select wire size and breaker size More uses for ST01 timer ST01 timer controls water heater or any 240 volt load Reverse ST01 using Intermatic air switch / Resource: Intermatic air switches Use ST01C for 4-way timer ST01 24 volt DC photoeye Convert single-pole switch into 3-way switch using ST01/ Resource: How to add a switch How to add 3-way switch ST01 timer controls HVAC |
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4-way switch How to
wire 4-way switch added to
3-way switches4-way switch circuit is a 3-way circuit with 4-way switch added between each 3-way switch Common is dark-colored screw on 3-way switches. 3-way switches have 3 screws (plus ground screw) 4-way switches have 4 screws (plus ground screw) Double-pole switches and 4-way switches are different but look the same Be careful: Double-pole switches and 4-way switches each have 4 screws. They look similar. Look at device rating. Double pole switches are always 220 or 240 Volts. 4-way switches are always rated 120-277 volt. : 4-way reverses both wires when switch position is changed. : Double-pole switch turns both wires On-or-Off when switch position is changed. Test switch terminals with continuity tester or multimeter Buy: 4-way switches at Amazon Multimeter at Amazon Continuity tester at Amazon Non-contact voltage tester at Amazon Test, measurement and inspection supplies for professionals |
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 Double switches - NO Neutral  Double
switch/ NO neutral inside
switch boxWire colors can vary Applies to double rocker, and all double switches The Hot wire connects to screws that are bonded together. While screws on other side of device are each singular and not connected to each other in any way. Just because a wire is White, does not mean it is automatically a neutral wire. Buy: Double switches at Amazon |
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Double
switches
- With Neutral Screw
color can varyApplies to all double switches The Hot wire connects to screws that are bonded together. While screws on other side of device are each singular and not connected to each other in any way. Neutral wires can usually be identified as the group of white wires covered with wire nut and pushed to back of box. Applies to fan-light switches Resources: Lutron fan light switches Buy: Double switches at Amazon Applies to all double single-pole switches |
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Connect switch to GFCI Example shows double rocker switch How to wire double rocker switch to GFCI Rocker switch and lights are GFCI protected Resources/ wiring instructions How to wire GFCI outlets and switches Buy GFCI outlets at Amazon GFCI outlet with switch at Amazon |
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 Double
3-way switch
Combine two 3-way switches into one Example: Use this where 2 hallways meet. Each hall has 3-way switches Can also be used as ordinary double pole switch by using only one of two screws on opposite side from common. Rated 120Volt thru 277 volt 120V and 277V circuits cannot be in same box. All 120 volt circuits shown apply to 277 circuits with 1 Hot and 1 Neutral Buy Double 3-way switches at Amazon Leviton 5640 double 3-way rocker switch Amazon Leviton 5243 double 3-way toggle at Amazon |
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Gang switches. This means 2 or more switches or outlets 'ganged' together in one box. Hot wire will connect to each switch, starting at first switch and jumpering to each other switch or outlet With 120V, each gang box has 1 Hot wire. |
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 Triple switches3 individual single-pole switches Despard switches mount individually in a metal strap. Buy Despard switches at Amazon Triple switch at Amazon Despard switches and despard outlet can be mounted into same strap. So you can have 2 switches and 1 outlet, or 3 outlets etc. One Hot wire goes to each switch. Some triple switches: all 3 screws on hot side are bonded with metal jumper or break-sway fin, or hot side is installed as 1 single screw  Leviton
triple
switch has 1 screw for Hot wireConnect Hot to this screw. Connect Load lines to 3 screws on other side of switch Buy Triple switch at Amazon Despard switches at Amazon Despard bracket Despard outlet |
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Fan light heater combo - power in ceiling box Use triple switches - 2 cables from switch box to ceiling No Neutral - power in ceiling box Use triple switches to control Fan-Light-heater combo Neutral wire is not required for switches Wire colors can vary Turn power off, Use multimeter set to read Ohms to check which wires go from ceiling to switch box Resources: How to select wire size and breaker size Buy: Despard switches at Amazon Despard outlet Despard bracket Triple switch at Amazon |
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'4-function' switches - With
Hot-Neutral at switch How to wire 4-function switch Box requires neutral wire to power push-button timer. Do not connect push button timer to heater Spring wound timer is rated enough wattage to control heater. Double switch control 2 different lights All ground wires connect together, and also connect to any green wires or green ground screws. Resources: Ventilating Fan- bathroom light combo manual How to select wire size and breaker size Compare countdown timers and electric rating Broan bath fans and heaters at Amazon Broan bathroom fans and heaters at Amazon |
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4- function switches - No Neutral
at switch - power in ceiling box How to wire 4-function switch Lights-fan-heater located in ceiling box. Power wire enters ceiling box, so neutral wire is not available inside wall box. If switch box does NOT have neutral wire. Connect bath-fan timer white and timer green wires to bare ground wire. Resources: How to wire timers Do not connect push button timer to heater Spring wound timer is rated for enough wattage to control heater. Double switch control 2 different lights All ground wires connect together, and also connect to any green wires or green ground screws. |
 How
to wire TM813 switchPass and Seymour TM813 Legrand TM813 switch has single-pole and 3-way switch. Diagram shows how to wire 3-way switch that controls a light, and single-pole switch that controls a fan. Example shows removal of break-away fin since Hot wire powering 3-way circuit is located in box with other 3-way switch. Resources: Manual Buy: TM813 switch at Amazon |
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How
to wire TM8111 Resource: Manual Buy: TM8111 switch at Amazon |
 How
to wire pilot light switchBuy Pilot light switches at Amazon Pilot light switches, or indicator light switch, is designed to activate the pilot light when switch is turned ON. When switch is OFF, the pilot is OFF. Black Hot wire from breaker box connects to screws that are on same side as break-away fin. Each 120volt electric box has only 1 Hot wire. Take photo of wiring, separate wires for testing, and then test each wire to bare ground wire, and tester will light up on 120V Hot. Load wire going to light connects to brass screw opposite the switch. White neutral wire connects to silver screw opposite the pilot light. What is neutral wire: Neutral wires are the white wires that are twisted together and covered with wire nut and pushed to back of electric box. If box does not have neutral wires, the pilot will not work.  It
is out of code, but ground wire connected
to silver screw
will allow pilot light to function until neutral wire can be pulled
over
to
switch box from any nearby outlet box.Resources: Leviton pilot switch manual Also see how to wire Cooper pilot light switch How to wire 3-way pilot light switch How to wire GFCI pilot light switch Buy Pilot light switches at Amazon |
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 Combo switch1) Polarized outlet has a wide blade and narrow blade. Black Hot wire from breaker box connects to screws that are on same side as narrow blade. Notice also that screws on Hot side of device have a break-away fin. If fin is removed, then add a wire that connects both screws. Each 120volt electric box has only 1 Hot wire that tests 120V to ground wire. Load wire going to light connects to brass screw opposite the switch. White neutral wire connects to silver screw opposite the outlet. Neutral wires are the white wires that are twisted together and covered with wire nut and pushed to back of electric box. If box does not have neutral wires, the outlet will not work. It is out of code, but ground wire connected to silver screw will allow outlet to function until neutral wire can be pulled over to switch box from any nearby outlet box.  Switch
and plug comboNeutral wire must be available. Neutral wire are white wires that are twisted together and covered with wire nut and pushed to back of box. Neutral wire can be found inside any outlet box Buy: Combination switch outlet at Amazon Resources: See 3-way combo switch wiring How to replace outlet with combo switch |
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 Combo
switch controls outlet - requires neutralSwitch and plug combo so switch controls outlet If your switch does not have 2 screws on Hot side, then this wiring is not possible Hot side has the narrow outlet blade. Review instructions above for basic wiring 1) Use screwdriver or pliers to remove break-away fin between Hot side screws. If Hot side does not have break-away fin, then wiring is not possible. 2) Add a jumper wire between brass screw (on Load side) and outlet screw as shown in diagram  |
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 GFCI switch combo - requires
neutralResources: How to wire GFCI How to wire arc fault Buy: GFCI Combination switch outlet at Amazon  |
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How
to wire 2 outlets Outlets are wired in parallel Each outlet receives Hot wire and neutral wire. Inspect screws on each outlet to make sure the Brass screws are bonded together, and Silver screws are bonded together. Connect Black Hot to side with brass screws and narrow blade. Connect White Neutral to side with silver screws and wide blade. Outlets have amp rating printed on back of device. Match amp rating and expected load. Always connect ground wire. Resources: Select and connect wire nuts How to twist wire Select correct wire size |
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 For certainty, always Test switch terminals using continuity tester before wiring. Practical wiring diagram Wire diagram |
DPDT
switch Double pole Double throw Toggle between 120Volt and 240Volt  with center
offBuy double-pole double throw 30 amp 2 DPDT switch with center off at Amazon 2 DPDT switch with center off at Amazon Resources: How to wire water heater for 120 Volts Off peak water heater thermostats Select correct wire and breaker Figure volts amps watts for water heater See inside main breaker box Two water heaters How to control motor with two switches Match watt rating of wiring device with watt rating of appliance. 30 amp device x 80% = 24 amp safe maximum |
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Water
heater switch/ 30 amp 240V water heater can be controlled directly with a 30-amp switch Look for green colored switch Max 25 amp rating on 30 amp switch 5500 Watt elements draw 23 Amps 4500 Watt elements draw 19 Amps Resources: How to wire water heater with ordinary switches Figure volts amps watts for water heater Buy: Cooper 3032 switch at Amazon Leviton 3032 30 amp switch at Amazon Leviton 30 amp switch at Amazon |
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3-way
Water heater switch/ 30 amp 240V water heater can be controlled directly using 30-amp switches Here is drawing for 30-amp 3-way circuit Note: the 240V circuit has 2 hot wires <> putting a switch on 1 hot wire will work Max 25 amp rating on 30 amp switch 5500 Watt elements draw 23 Amps 4500 Watt elements draw 19 Amps Resources: Control water heater with two switches Figure volts amps watts for water heater Buy: Leviton 3033 switch at Amazon |
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Water
heater switch/ 15-20 amp switch Resources: How to wire ordinary switch to water heater |
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Garbage
disposal switch Only Black Hot wire connects to switch White Neutral wire does not connect to switch Resources: How to wire GFCI switch How to troubleshoot, repair, install garbage disposal |
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Safety Warm switches and outlets indicate loose wires, and/or overload. Check for overheating and electrical problems using hand to feel for heat. All electrical switches and outlets must be covered Cover electrical junction boxes, close timer doors, cover main breaker box and keep panel door closed. This action will prevent sparks from starting fire inside home, and prevent overheated wires from starting fire. Resources: Troubleshoot household electrical problems |
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Install
new
Boxes Resources: How to install switch box |
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Motion
sensor switches Wiring varies widely by brand and model number, wire color, and application Some motion detectors replace single-pole switch, while others replace 3-way switch, while others can be wired in parallel Resources: Cooper motion sensor wiring/ by model number Leviton motion sensor wiring Leviton occupancy sensor Pass and Seymour occupancy sensors Buy: Motion sensor switches at Amazon |
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Motion
sensor light fixture - Replace outdoor light
fixture The motion sensor is the switch. If previous light fixture has on-off switch, turn the switch ON to make sure motion sensor switch has power. There will be 2 wires (black and white) for each light There will be 3 wires for motion switch (black, white and red) There will 1 Black Hot and 1 White Neutral arriving in box. Twist all white wires together. Cover with wire nut Black Hot connects to black wire on motion detector. Cover with wire nut. Motion detector Red wire connects to black wires going to each light. Cover with wire nut. Resources: Wire nut basics Buy: Motion sensor outdoor lights at Amazon Motion sensor spotlights at Amazon |
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 Omron LY23 AC Model
terminals/ back to front:
7-8 magnet terminals (turned opposite direction from other pins) 5-6 common terminals 3-4 NO normally open terminals (power is off when relay off) 1-2 NC normally closed terminals (power is On when relay is off) Load rating 7.5 amps AC 900 watts incandescent @ 120V 1800 watts incandescent @ 240V 1/4 Hp motor @ 120V; 1/2 Hp @ 240V |
Photo
eye
switches To reverse operation of photo-eye So Load comes on during daylight hours photo eye connected to DPDT relay 30 Amp relay x 80% = 24 amp max up to 2880 watt @ 120V or 5600 watt @ 240V 30 amp 10 gauge wire up to 2 Hp @ 50' or 1.5 Hp @ 100' @ 120V See load charts Use Omron 120volt LY2-AC 8-pin relay for 7.5 amp. 
 7.5Amp Omron 30Amp DPDT Buy Omron LY2 at Amazon / Choose 120Volt coil 30 Amp DPDT relay at Amazon 12 amp DPDT Packard at Amazon Resources: Omron relay/Page 450 / pdf How to wire and troubleshoot photoeye |
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Remote
control switch Advanced technique in my office Resources: Timer with remote control Remote control switches How to select wire size and breaker size |
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Two speed fan wiring. | ||
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Pin
timers Resources: How to wire pin timers How to wire delay timers |
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Box
timers Resources: Water heater timers How to wire box timers |
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Battery-powered wall switch timer Turns light switch on and off 9 ON-OFF, 2 AA batteries Resources: Utilitec 0357930 manual Utilitec TMDW50L manual Utilitec timers Buy: AutoChron at Amazon |
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How to set
timers Resources: Timer switches |
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Contactor
switches Use contactor to control large Loads such as water heater or pool pump Control contactor with timer or switch 2-pole contactors, and 3 pole contactors Resources: See contactors Control 30 amp water heater with ordinary 15amp switches Figure volts amps watts for water heater How to wire 3-phase timer using contactor |
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Automobile
switch wiring Moroso switch wiring. Light and fan receive + power from battery after switch is activated. Light turns ON and Fan turn ON when circuit is completed back to - pole on battery as power travels through metal body of automobile. Fuse protects each wire and device from overheat or overamps that will short and burn parts. For example if fan motor + shorts to ground, a surge of amperage will flow, exactly as if battery + terminal was connected to - terminal. Wires get hot, and smoke, except the fuse trips off when heat exceeds fuse rating. When the fuse trips, it stops the overheating which can melt parts and cause fire. Fuse must match expected load demand of light and fan together, but not exceed amp (heat) rating of either accessory, or amp rating of wire. Volts x Amps = Watts More than 1 switch: Jump + power wire to each of the other fuses, and repeat wiring for each fuse-switch-light Resources: Example Moroso manual Common electrical formulas Buy: Moroso switches at Amazon |
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Photo
switch resource Intermatic photo switch |
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| Canopy switch Cooper 1664 |
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Fan switches Good luck How to wire fan switches |
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Add another
switch upstairs How-to-add-3-way-switch.html |
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4
DP switch soon Micro switches Ignition switches |
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Fireman
switch Automatically turns OFF swimming pool heater 20 minutes before pool pump turns OFF Resources Intermatic pool timers Control panels |
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Resources
for air switch Air switch More pool parts |
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 http://waterheatertimer.org/images/GM40-dip-switches.jpg |
Dip switches Resources How to wire GM40 timer How to wire GE 15207 timer |
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Ceiling
junction box 1 single 12-2 cable travels to light switch Light fixture attaches to Hot from switch and neutrals |
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Add a
switch to any outlet Add a switch and light to any outlet Maximum 12 boxes per circuit breaker. Drop power wire into outlet box.  How to drop wire into wall |
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Add outlet
to a switch Add outlet to switch Neutral wire required |
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Add new
outlet Add new wire to any outlet Run wire to new box Code says max 12 boxes per circuit breaker Resources Read pdf Figure wire size |
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3-speed fan
switch Resources Pass and Seymour 3-speed Fan switch |
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Resources What is 3-phase electric: power plant to end user |
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