What You’ll Need
- Two lamps
- A single-pole switch
- Electrical wire
- Wire cutter/stripper
- Screwdriver
- Electrical tape (optional)
Step 1: Safety First
Before you begin any electrical work, always make sure to turn off the power to the circuit you’ll be working on. This is crucial for your safety.
Step 2: Prepare the Wires
Start by cutting the electrical wire into two equal lengths. It’s usually recommended to have at least 6-8 inches of wire for easier installation.
Step 3: Strip the Wires
Using a wire cutter/stripper, remove about half an inch of insulation from the ends of each wire. This will expose the inner copper wires for connection.
Step 4: Connect the Switch
Next, locate the switch box where you want to connect the lamps. Remove its cover plate and carefully pull out the switch. Connect one end of the first wire to one of the switch terminals and secure it by tightening the screw. Repeat this process for the second wire, connecting it to the other switch terminal.
Step 5: Connect the Lamps
Now, take the other end of the first wire and connect it to the positive terminal of one lamp. Again, tighten the screw to secure the connection. Repeat this step for the second wire, connecting it to the positive terminal of the other lamp.
Step 6: Grounding (Optional)
If your lamps have a ground connection, you can connect a third wire from the ground terminal of one lamp to the other lamp’s ground terminal. This is an additional safety measure but is not always necessary, depending on the lamps.
Step 7: Check Your Connections
Ensure that all the connections are securely tightened and there are no loose wires. Additionally, you can use electrical tape to wrap the exposed wire ends for added protection.
Step 8: Turn On the Power
Once you’ve completed all the connections, carefully insert the switch back into the switch box and reinstall the cover plate. Now, you can turn the power back on to the circuit and test your newly connected lamps by flipping the switch.
And there you have it! You’ve successfully connected two lamps to a switch. Enjoy your newly controlled lighting setup!
If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy lamp connecting!