Wiring a Combination Switch with 2 Wires! [Full Guide]

Every home has multiple light switches and other types of switches. In some circumstances, a combination switch might be required as well. It is not difficult at all to complete the task on your own, so if you do not want to pay an electrician to assist you with it, you can easily do it on your own.

The process is quite simple. The first step is to gather the necessary tools and equipment for the task. Then you should turn the power off from the appropriate circuit breaker. The main step comes after that, wiring the switch. And finally, troubleshoot the installed switch.

If you want to know how to wire a combination switch with only 2 wires, then this article is perfect for you. I will explain the process in detail below. However, if you want to know how to wire multiple switches together, you might require a separate guide

Wiring a Combination Switch with 2 Wires:

Following is a step-by-step, detailed explanation of how to wire a combination switch using just two wires. The instructions are organized in a sequential fashion so that you may find them easier to follow based on your specific needs.

1. Gathering Necessary Tools

You do not need many complex tools for the task, simple safety equipment, and a few tools are all that you need. Let’s take a look at the equipment needed.

Tools needed to wire a combination switch:

• Rubber Boots and Gloves
• A Voltage Tester
• Screwdrivers of the Appropriate Shape
• Wire Strippers
• Electrical Tape

2. Turning Off the Power

Before beginning any procedures involving electricity, turning off the power is always the first and most important step. The same holds true when wiring a combination switch with 2 wires.

How to turn off the power?

• Locate the circuit breaker which supplies power to the cables you wish to attach the combination switch to.
• Flip the breaker to disconnect it from the power.
• Or you could opt for turning the power off for your entire household for additional safety, the choice is entirely yours.
• Make sure that the power has been truly shut down using the help of voltage testers.
• Make sure to wear safety gear before proceeding with these steps.

3. Wiring the Combination Switch

The crucial step is to properly wire the combination switch to the wires. If not done properly, the switch would not work, and it could cause electrical hazards. The steps needed to know how to wire a combination switch with only 2 wires are as follows.

Wiring procedure of a combination switch:

• Make a connection between the hot wire and the hot side of the thin blade using the connection tool.
• When configured in this manner, the other live wire will be connected to the load terminal of the switch.
• The neutral wire is joined to the side of the wire blade that is likewise neutral because that is where the neutral label is located.
• You can attach a ground pin by picking the option that allows you to attach the ground pin. This will allow you to do what you want to do. On the other side, there are times when it might not be necessary.
• The mounting bracket that comes with the combo switch can be used in conjunction with the wall or switchboard by using a screwdriver to secure the switch.
• Verify that the connections are secure and that they have been adequately tightened, and search for any exposed wiring that may be present.

Troubleshooting

It is necessary to do troubleshooting on any electrical component after it has been installed in order to verify that the installation was carried out correctly. The following is a list of the actions to take in order to troubleshoot the combo switch after it has been installed.

Troubleshooting the Installed Combination Switch:

• You can activate the power supply by switching the circuit breaker situated in the main panel.
• Make sure there is power by using the non-contact voltage tester.
• Simply turning both of the switches on and off will reveal whether or not they are operational. This will also reveal whether or not the appliance has power.
• If the switch operates as it should, you may safely assume that the wiring and installation were carried out correctly.
• If this is not the case, switch the power back off and check to see if the wiring has been installed correctly this time.
• Check that all of the connections are safe and that there is not a short circuit anywhere.

Summary

If you wanted to know how to wire a combination switch with only 2 wires, you should have gotten all the necessary information by now. You should be able to take up the task yourself.

Check to be that the circuit has a power supply that is adequate to run the switch as well as the appliance that you intend to use it on. Otherwise, it could cause the circuit to become overloaded, which would result in dangerous electrical risks.