What does L1 and L2 mean on a light switch?
Two way switching means you can switch the same light fixture from two switches that are located in different sides of a room. Two way switches have a COM terminal as well as L1 and L2 terminals. When L1 is off L2 would be on. When L1 is on L2 would be off.
Why is there 2 black wires on light switch?
You should see two black wires, each connecting to a different screw on the right side of the switch. These are called terminal screws. You should also see a green wire, called a ground wire, which attaches to a screw on the lower-left side of the light switch.
Does live wire go to common or L1?
The faceplate of a single, one-way switch has two terminals: “L1” is the terminal to which the neutral core wire is attached – the blue wire (traditionally black, before the change). “COM” or “Common” is the terminal to which the live core wire is attached – this is the brown wire (formerly red).
What happens if you wire switch wrong?
But here’s the catch: If you connect the circuit wires to the wrong terminals on an outlet, the outlet will still work but the polarity will be backward. When this happens, a lamp, for example, will have its bulb socket sleeve energized rather than the little tab inside the socket.
How do you wire a new light switch?
How to Wire a Light Switch 1 Safety First. Always turn the power off at the breaker before starting any electrical project. 2 Remove the Old Switch. Your switch is attached to the electrical box using two screws. 3 Detach the Wires. 4 Wire the New Switch. 5 Attach and Cover. 6 Test Your New Switch.
What kind of wire do I need to wire a COM switch?
The traveler wires don’t need to be labeled because either traveler wire can connect to either traveler screw terminal on the switch. To wire the new switch, connect the labeled common wire to the COM terminal (usually bronze or dark-colored) on the switch.
How do you connect a switch to an outlet?
To connect the switches, simply score the wire with your wire stripper and push the insulation to expose about 3/4 in. of bare wire. Connect the last switch in the usual manner, looping the wire around the screw in a clockwise direction.
Where does the neutral wire go on a light switch?
The neutral wire from the source is spliced to the white cable wire and continues on to the light. At the light, the white wire connects to the neutral terminal and the black wire connects to the hot terminal. Here two switches are wired in the same box to control two separate lights.