How to Connect Recessed Lights to a Double Pole Light Switch

Double-pole switches are a particularly safe type of switch. Although they are often used to isolate circuits containing two live wires, they are also used to completely isolate appliances by switching the positive and negative wires. Unlike a single-pole switch that interrupts only the live wire in a circuit, a double-pole switch affects both wires, completely isolating the light when it is switched off. Connecting lights to a double-pole switch is an uncomplicated task requiring no more skill than connecting them to a single-pole switch.

Electrician's screwdriver
Sharp utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Ensure that the circuit breaker for the circuit powering the lights is switched to the "off" position. If the electrical board contains a cartridge fuse instead of a circuit-breaker, remove the fuse and keep it with you.
- 2
  Loosen the terminal screws on the back of the switch. There are four terminals, arranged in two sets of two, with two at the top of the switch and two at the bottom.
- 3
  Trim the insulation from the last 1/4 inch of each of the four wires leading to the switch. Use a sharp knife to cut all around the insulation, and then twist the separated 1/4 inch of insulation off the end of each wire.
- 4
  Insert the bare-wire ends into the appropriate terminals on the switch. For example, connect the two wires from the power supply to the two terminals at the bottom of the switch, and attach the two wires to the lights to the top two terminals.
- 5
  Tighten the terminal screws to firmly grip the wires. Use an electrician's screwdriver to tighten the screws until the wires cannot be tugged out of the terminals.

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