How to Install a Light Switch for Parallel Lights
- 1). Turn off any power to the receptacle box that you will be working on. Go to the breaker box, disconnect the power from there and place a warning sign to inform others not to turn the power on by accident. Check the power on the line using a voltmeter to ensure that power is off to the correct line.
- 2). Connect the grounding wires to the box if the receptacle box is metal. There should be a grounding screw attached that is colored green. Wrap one of the two grounding wires around the screw and connect that grounding wire to the other grounding wire with a wire nut.
- 3). Strip the ends of the white wires to allow for connecting to each other. Connect the two white wires, which are neutral wires, to each other using a wire nut. Wrap electrical tape around the bottom of the wire nut to help hold the wires in place.
- 4). Connect the source black wire to the bottom brass screw of the light switch. Use the wire strippers to remove enough black insulation to allow for wrapping around the screw without excess hanging out. Use pliers to bend the wire around the screw. Make sure that the wire is wrapped clockwise around the screw and then tighten the screw. Attach the other black wire in the same fashion to the top brass screw.
- 5). Screw the light switch into place and attach the cover plate to prevent accidental touching of the wires and for appearance's sake.
- 6). Turn the power back on and test the light.