How to connect a light switch? Guide

Added: Thursday, 4/13/2023


Connecting a light switch doesn't have to be difficult. It is worth knowing how to prepare well for a task in order to perform it properly. What will be needed beyond basic knowledge? Also suitable accessories and tools. Today we tell you how to connect the switch, at what height and what a WiFi light switch is.

White light switch

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How to connect a light switch?

Light switch is a very broad product category, including various product variants. In addition to different colors, you can choose surface-mounted and flush-mounted, illuminated, square and rectangular variants - so everyone will choose something suitable for themselves.

When starting the task, first of all, remember about safety. This is electrical work, so it's easy to have an accident. Therefore, first check whether the circuit has been turned off. You will also need a tester to check whether there is no current in the circuit.

Once you have all the necessary accessories, dismantle the old device, starting by removing the key and unscrewing the screws securing the switch to the wall. It is also necessary to remove the center and then loosen the cable clamps to remove it. When the installation site is properly prepared, you should start installing a new one - how?

Special care must be taken to connect the cables properly. Their ends are placed in the terminals of the new switch (spring or screw). For convenience, the cables come in different colors. The one responsible for the phase is most often brown, gray or black, while the neutral color is blue. The phase should be connected to pin L, which is red in accordance with the standards, and the neutral wire should be connected to pin 1. Once the wires are properly connected, the new switch should be placed in the electrical box, being careful not to tear out the wires that have just been connected. In the next step, make sure that the whole thing is in the light off position. After turning the power back on, check whether everything is working properly, and if so, tighten the screws securing the switch to the box. The final step is to assemble the casing.

At what height should the light switch be mounted?

The installation height of the switches is largely a matter of individual needs. It is most often assumed that they are installed approximately 110-120 cm above the floor. For functionality reasons, it is assumed that the light switch is located in the immediate vicinity of the door, so that the light can be turned on quickly and conveniently right after opening it. The second, although slightly less frequently used solution is to install the switches at a level of approximately 140 cm. In turn, in a children's room, it is worth taking into account the needs of a young person and installing the switch a little lower. Especially in the case of younger children, it is worth considering installing the light switch at a level of approximately 70-90 cm.

However, you should know that the layout and height of the switches is an issue that must be considered at the construction stage so that all elements of the installation are properly made and arranged, because otherwise modifications to the installation will be necessary.

WiFi light switch

In recent years, modern solutions using modern technologies have become increasingly popular. Among them you can find, among others: light switches for wifi. This is a solution that uses a home Wi-Fi network and a special application installed on a smartphone, enabling convenient operation. Depending on the model, the switch allows not only remote control of turning on and off, but also allows you to set the light brightness level. This is a great convenience, so it's no wonder that more and more people use the solution.

When connecting such a device, use the attached diagram, which will allow you to properly connect subsequent cables. However, you can enjoy full functionality only after pairing the switch with a device equipped with a dedicated application.

However, it is worth remembering that when deciding on such a solution, you must check the capabilities of the selected product. Especially if we want to control the light as part of the Smart Home intelligent control system.

Check out light switches at the Onninen wholesaler