Electrical Wiring for Light Switches
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The Difference Between Commercial and Home Electrical Wiring: In this example a commercial medical building has a 277/480volt system.
© By: Dave Rongey
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Light Switch Wiring in a Commercial Building
Electrical Question: How do I wire two separate lights and switches in one supply junction box?
- I have a junction box with a top conduit that goes to one switch and one light.
- The left side top conduit is the power supply coming from another junction box.
- The bottom left side of the junction box has a conduit for a light and one switch.
- On the right side are two conduits that are controlled by switch #2 which is wired through the bottom conduit.
These are Two Separate Rooms with Two Separate Switches
- I need to know how to wire the orange wire which is confusing to me because that wire is coming from light fixture #1.
- I think the wire should be black.
- There are two wires with black tape and I need to know what they are used for.
This is a Commercial Medical Plaza in Laguna.
I really appreciate your help with this, and why it is wired this way.
This electrical question came from: Chris, a Handyman from Laguna, California.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Chris.
The Difference Between Commercial and Home Electrical Wiring
IMPORTANT: Here in the USA, commercial electrical wiring is not the same as home electrical wiring.
- For Example:
- The voltage for most commercial light fixtures is typically 277 volts, which is not the same as the home electrical voltage for lighting which is 120 volts.
- Since the voltage is different, the standard used to identify the wires is different as well.
A Warning about Commercial Electrical Systems
- In the example of this electrical question, a handyman working in a commercial medical building which has a 277/480volt system poses a higher risk and danger of electric shock and arc flash hazard because of the higher voltage.
- Due to the extent of this project, and for your own safety, I do not recommend that a handy-person perform electrical work in a commercial environment unless you are fully experienced and knowledgeable.
- Working with electricity, especially higher voltage requires a Qualified Licensed or Certified Electrician.
See More about Electrical Wiring
Checklist for Hiring a Electrician
Checklist for Hiring a Electrician – 10 Tips to Make Sure Your Contractor Measures Up.
Electrician Training
Electrician Training Programs and Certification Requirements for individuals who wish to pursue a career as an electrician.
Switch wiring diagrams
Electrical Wiring Diagrams
- Home electrical wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects.
- An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home or home improvement project.
Light Switch Wiring
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches starting with photo diagram 1.
The following may also be helpful for you:
A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
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Electrical Parts to Help You Wire it Right
Switches Parts and Accessories
Light Switch Single Pole
3 Way Light Switch
4 Way Light Switch
Switch and Outlet Combo
Dimmer Switch
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