Electrical Shock

Electrical Switch Wiring - Switch And Outlet Wiring Made Easy

House Fire

Don't let your house
go up in flames
Get it right the first time

Home Page contact us Creators Info Got Questions? Get Answers!! Legal Site Map

Series Switch Wiring

WHILE EXTREME CARE HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS SELF-HELP DOCUMENT, THE AUTHOR AND/OR PROVIDERS OF THIS DOCUMENT ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS, NOR IS ANY LIABILITY ASSUMED FROM THE USE OF THE INFORMATION, CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT, BY THE AUTHOR and / OR PROVIDER.

Read the legal disclaimer page - click the legal link in the menu above

There is very few circumstances in which multiple switches in series would be desired.

Switches wired  in series require all switches to be in the on position for the circuit to be on, when any one switch is off the circuit is off regardless of the position of the other switch. 

Now at the moment I think of one possible usage for this, and that is for a cut off switch for the furnace, this switch is often labeled with the 'ON'  position on the faceplate. In an emergency you want without a doubt know where the off position is. If you desire a cut off in two different locations 3 way switches is not the answer as there is no definitive position of 3 way switches as to off and on. If you wire two basic switches wired in series you can position these switches so that on is always with the switch up and off is always with the switch down, both switches must be on for the circuit to be on.


For those that live where the new 2011 NEC code is in effect, please read
2011 NEC New Rule 'Switch Connections'

This new rule applies to switch circuits that control lighting loads.

Since I could never imagine anyone using a series type circuit switch wiring for lighting loads I have not created specific wiring sequences for series switch wiring that meet this new NEC rule, but just for your information the 'power source and switched feed on different switch' would be the only option that I provided that would meet the new rule criteria.

 

Two switches wired in series options....

click on desired selection

Power Source at Switched Item

Power Source and Switched Feed at Same Switch

Power Source and Switched Feed on Different Switch

Written: Dec. 22. 2011
Revised: June 30, 2013
Proof Read / Released: July 10,2013
By: Donald Kerr

 

 

 

MENU

2011 NEC New Rule 'Switch Connections'
3 Way Switch
4 Way Switch
Adding an Outlet
Aluminium Wiring
Arc Circuit Protection
Basic Switch Wiring
Convert Pull String to Wall Switch
Definitions
Dryer Outlet
Electrical Dangers
Electrical Safety
Fan / Light combo
Generation / Distribution Grid
GFI Outlets
Main Electrical Panel
Multiple Fixtures
Old Homes / Wiring
Outlet, Half Switched
Range Outlet
Series Switches
Split Circuit Outlet
Testing Equipment, How to Use
Tools, Basic Tools
Wire Connections
World, Electricity around...
 

Also visit our sister website by same creator / author with printer friendly options as well as additional articles

Residential Wiring - The Right Way!

 

Copyright � 2012+
All Rights Reserved
www.switchandoutletwiringmadeasycom