How to Toggle a Switch Wiring for On-Off-On

A three-position toggle switch is typically used to control power between two devices. While one device has power, the other is off. When you switch to the other device, the original device is turned off. You can modify the wiring to deliver power to one device while still maintaining its ability to turn off the power. Making these connections is simple once you know where to connect the wires.

Noncontact voltage detector
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Screwdriver
Black insulated wire

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the power off for the circuit you are working on at the home's electrical panel. Confirm the power is off by touching a noncontact voltage detector to the wire's insulation.
- 2
  Strip 3/8 inches of insulation off the black wire coming from the distribution panel and the black wire going to the device.
- 3
  Loosen the three terminals on the toggle switch with a screwdriver. Insert the black wire from the electrical panel in the source terminal and tighten it down. If you have trouble identifying each terminal's purpose, consult the owner's manual for the device.
- 4
  Cut two 6-inch sections of black insulated wire and strip 3/8 inches of insulation of both ends.
- 5
  Insert one black wire into each of the two device terminals on the switch and tighten it down.
- 6
  Twist together the two black wires from the switch with the black wire going to the device with pliers. Install a twist-on wire connector on top.

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