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+-- Thread: adding a switch (SPST) (/showthread.php?tid=7378586)
adding a switch (SPST) - colibas - 06-01-2025
Hey everyone, I'm adding a switch to a project, and I haven't wired one up before. The pics show the switch and diagram. I'm wondering
A) why the switch has three tabs, not two
B) why the diagram shows the negative, white line as hot
Both of those are different from other things I read and watch.
I case you're curious, I have a box with a power strip mounted inside. I need to be able to switch it from the outside. So I'm mounting this switch on the outside and wiring it in the cord.
Thanks!
[attachment=54732][attachment=54733]
RE: adding a switch (SPST) - Roly - 06-01-2025
(06-01-2025, 09:41 AM)colibas Wrote: Hey everyone, I'm adding a switch to a project, and I haven't wired one up before. The pics show the switch and diagram. I'm wonderingThe switch is illuminated so you need a neutral for the light in the switch plus the hot line and the hot load wire. Also will need a neutral to the load. The white wire on the bottom only goes to the load, what ever you are turning on and off goes where the drawing says load. Drawing is confusing but correct. Roly
A) why the switch has three tabs, not two
B) why the diagram shows the negative, white line as hot
Both of those are different from other things I read and watch.
I case you're curious, I have a box with a power strip mounted inside. I need to be able to switch it from the outside. So I'm mounting this switch on the outside and wiring it in the cord.
Thanks!
RE: adding a switch (SPST) - colibas - 06-01-2025
(06-01-2025, 11:20 AM)Roly Wrote: The switch is illuminated so you need a neutral for the light in the switch plus the hot line and the hot load wire. Also will need a neutral to the load. The white wire on the bottom only goes to the load, what ever you are turning on and off goes where the drawing says load. Drawing is confusing but correct. Roly
Thanks, that makes sense.
Is this drawing correct, then?
Thanks for taking the time to respond to a really basic question. I don't want to fry my electronics.
[attachment=54735]
RE: adding a switch (SPST) - Roly - 06-01-2025
(06-01-2025, 11:38 AM)colibas Wrote: Thanks, that makes sense.
Is this drawing correct, then?
Thanks for taking the time to respond to a really basic question. I don't want to fry my electronics.
NO You are not switching the hot wire from the outlet which is the line. Is there another drawing that shows which terminal is which ? The two white wires are connected together then to the neutral (white) from the feed, remember one of those goes to the load. The line (black) is connected as shown. The other wire off of the switch which is not color identified is only hot when switch is on goes to the load (normally black or red). The internal lamp is connected between what is called the neutral on the drawing and the load side of the switch. Roly
RE: adding a switch (SPST) - colibas - 06-01-2025
(06-01-2025, 03:20 PM)Roly Wrote: NO You are not switching the hot wire from the outlet which is the line. Is there another drawing that shows which terminal is which ? The two white wires are connected together then to the neutral (white) from the feed, remember one of those goes to the load. The line (black) is connected as shown. The other wire off of the switch which is not color identified is only hot when switch is on goes to the load (normally black or red). The internal lamp is connected between what is called the neutral on the drawing and the load side of the switch. Roly
That's what is confusing me; the diagram on the carton doesn't seem to be switching the hot hire. I would have expected the black to connect to two terminals (with the switch opening and closing between them).
If we number the terminals in the hand-written drawing from left to right, the switch is between 1 and 2. Same for the diagram on the carton.
RE: adding a switch (SPST) - Roly - 06-01-2025
(06-01-2025, 04:16 PM)colibas Wrote: That's what is confusing me; the diagram on the carton doesn't seem to be switching the hot hire. I would have expected the black to connect to two terminals (with the switch opening and closing between them).
If we number the terminals in the hand-written drawing from left to right, the switch is between 1 and 2. Same for the diagram on the carton.
switch diagram on switch LINK
Input is black from outlet (line)
Output that is drawn on top is switched to hot on power strip
output with the R (for resistor) and circle with an X is the red lamp> That goes to neutral that connects to neutral. Another neutral goes to power strip. Roly