Electrical – Wiring a light switch

electrical

I am trying to install a new single pole light switch in a restroom. I previously had a push button switch that has an off, light, heater, and fan button's and also a light to show when the heater is on. When I pulled it out there were wires everywhere I cut all wires to switch. I have 3 black wires, 3 white, and 3 ground. I have no clue what to do. I think the hot wire black goes to the bottom screw of the switch once I locate it. Most of the grounds are connected to the box except one that is connected to a neutral wire…Does anyone have a clue what I am talking about? Do I connect the black wire going to the ceiling light to the top screw of the switch? What about the grounds do I need one to the switch or is the box grounded enough? Do I connect all neutral white wire together? Help Me!

Best Answer

Based on comments, you want to install an unswitched outlet next to the switch. Since you have confirmed that you have neutral in the box, that should be straightforward:

  • Unless the circuit is already GFCI protected, you MUST use a GFCI receptacle. The following is based on a typical GFCI receptacle.

  • Add two pigtails on the incoming hot wire with a wire nut. Connect one to the switch (where the incoming hot was previously connected) and one to the hot screw on the LINE side of the receptacle.

  • Add a pigtail to the neutral bunch and connect it to the neutral screw on the LINE side of the receptacle.

  • Add a ground wire to the rest of grounds and connect it to the ground screw on the receptacle.

Nothing goes on the LOAD side. Those terminals are covered with tape, leave the tape on there, it will save you unlimited grief.