When it comes to electrical wiring, light switches are an essential part of any home. But before you can start wiring a light switch in your house, you need to understand what the common wire is and how it functions.
The common wire, also known as the traveler wire, is a critical component of any electrical wiring job. It connects the hot wire, which carries electricity from the power source to the switch, with the load wire, which carries electricity from the switch to the device, such as a light or fan. The common wire acts as a middleman between the two connecting points, allowing electricity to be sent directly from the power source to the device without first going through the switch. This allows for the switch to control when the device turns on or off.
In order to properly wire a light switch, it’s important to understand where the common wire should be placed. In most cases, the common wire will be white and will be connected to one of the terminals on the back of the switch. When connecting a light switch, the black wire will be connected to the terminal labeled “hot”, the white wire will be connected to the terminal labeled “common”, and the ground wire will be connected to the terminal labeled “ground”. The red wire, if present, will be connected to the terminal labeled “traveler” and is typically only used when more than one switch controls the same device.
It’s important to note that the common wire should be connected to the power source at the same time as the hot wire. This ensures that the switch has the power it needs to turn the device on or off. Additionally, the common wire should be connected to the load side of the switch before the load is connected to the device itself.
When wiring a light switch, it’s important to use caution and read all directions thoroughly before beginning. If you’re unsure of the correct way to wire a light switch, then it’s best to call an electrician to help you. An electrician can provide proper guidance and ensure that all wiring is done safely and correctly.
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