How To Wire 3 Switches With One Power Source | Install Multiple Light Switches In One Box

In this video I show you how to wire 3 light switches using one power source or one line wire. Installing multiple light switches can seem confusing but overall is not a difficult job.
Tools Used:
Klein Multimeter: amzn.to/37PZONS
Screwdrivers: amzn.to/37PHEMe
Linesman Pliers: amzn.to/2KvVxqk
Thank you for watching and for subscribing. You can support the channel at no cost to you by using one of the above affiliate links. This helps support the channel for new content!
Blessings,
Adam
How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thanks for watching! Hope it was helpful. If it was, please consider subscribing!

[@CodingSloth]

Very helpful video. What if you have a similar situation, but where each switch is part of a 3-way? I have a two-switch gang box at the bottom of my stairs (two wire bundles coming into top of box, one coming from bottom, which I expect is from the panel similar to your example), and corresponding switches at the top of the stairs. It's difficult keeping straight how this should be wired for 3-way, and on top of that I'm installing Insteon smart switches which have their own diagram for 3-way, ha :) Even if you don't cover a smart-switch wrinkle, showing a multi-gang box that's part of a 3-way would be quite useful.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@@CodingSloth May have to do a video on that in the future. The wiring would be basically the same as long as the switches you are talking about are the ones first in line from the panel. The hot pigtails would connect to the common terminal on the 3 way switches and then you would have your traveler wires to connect. That is in a standard setup but since they are smart switches you will need to try and follow whatever diagram they have laid out as sometimes they can be a little different and require a matching smart switch for the second switch in line as well or at the top or the stairs probably in your case. Hope this helps.

[@tandahomestead4429]

Very helpful

[@corkydavis5688]

You didn't say which black line was used on top nut. Was it from the pig tail or line from the light?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Right before I wired it up I pointed at and said what the wires were. The ones on top were all of my pigtails for the load wires going to the fixtures. The ones on the bottom were the pigtails from the line. On a single pole light switch it doesn’t matter which terminal the line or load wires go on just have to have one of each. Hope this answers your question!

[@geovannirodriguezramirez5942]

Damn... this video was posted 3 years ago, and it's still one of the best and most recommended. Great explanation, clear instructions, and overall great video. Thank you! Very helpful.

[@user-bc2tt3uy4k]

Most every one already said how very simple your instructions were, so I too would like to say the same! I watched other KZbin tutorial videos , but yours is very simple! Great instructor! Thank you 😊!

[@lisakelley9451]

This was by far the clearest set of instructions I've watched on this topic. Thanks for making it so clear and simple for this DIY grandma! Blessings!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Lisa, I am very glad to hear that you liked it! Thank you very much for the feedback! Blessings to you as well!

[@richardramirez1086]

Gramma??...do you go up in the attic as well?

[@zagnit]

I absolutely agree, very clear

[@forrestjones6586]

Thanks Adam, as others have already said you made it very simple for the intended 3 switch installation. What I would like to see are updated videos showing the use of the new port style connectors which are great for connecting multiple power and load wires and pig tails.

[@miomine3527]

This is the most simplest installation and directions I've seen...thank you

[@unclemelonmrc845]

As a teacher, I want people to explain things as clearly to me as I want to explain them to my students. You have done so. This was most excellent. Liked, subscribed, and once I'm done wiring my switches I believe I will be binge-watching your channel for a bit. Kudos on the excellent job. *tips hat*

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Wow thank you very much for the kind words! I am really glad to hear that you liked it. I hope that you find the other videos on the channel to be helpful and informative. Thank you very much for the feedback and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@mathewroderick1440]

I’ve watched way too many videos trying to wrap my head around this concept. Thank you for making on that actually made sense

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@hyunsyu]

Best how-to video on this matter yet! You saved me a call to an electrician and at the same time empowered me to be self sufficient!!!!! Thank you!!

[@pagalhokya]

You know a pro is teaching when even a layman can understand it. Thank you, sir!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. Thank you for the kind words. I am glad you liked it!

[@elitetrama7736]

So all ground wire can be pigtailed for all 3 switches....even if the switches separately go to the out door light,livingroom and kitchen lights? Just wondering and asking for knowledge without being belittled....

[@HowToHomeDIY]

That’s correct. All of them go back to the same place to provide a means to ground.

[@DefaultName-rz1vk]

I won't say the other dozen videos were not helpful, but this was the most clear and concise. Just what I needed, thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Glad you liked it! Thank you for the feedback!

[@Kevinw4040]

Excellent tutorial straight to point with no jabber jawing. Thumbs up!

[@lockhga]

I’m glad this video came up. I’m about to start my electrician training in a week and I needed to wire up what you just demonstrated today. It was very easy to understand and now I know “why” also. Keep it up - I’m very grateful! 👍😇

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Gary, I am really glad to hear that you found it helpful. Thanks a lot for your valuable feedback and good luck on your continued training!

[@stevec8480]

Thank you, I"m a handyman and was called to work on a DIY attempt to wire this exact set up, your clear and precise description/video has helped me as I needed to add pigtails and simplify/rectify the DIY wiring job, cheers from Canada Adam

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! You are very welcome. I am glad you found it helpful and were able to help them out!

[@alexcamacho4423]

Awesome video! Came in clutch! I disconnected a couple light switches and forgot to take pictures of how they hooked up, got them twisted up and had no idea how to wire them back up! Thanks to you, I fixed it and even understood what I did so a big THANK YOU!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! You are welcome. Glad it was able to help you out! Thanks for the feedback.

[@johnwight4055]

KZbinrs have to win my like. You did. You take those important, but not obvious, steps to show and explain things clearly. Like switching the camera angle to the opposite side to show clearly how to wire the hot leads after you finished the grounds. Great camera angles and set up, great organization, and great explanation.

[@gr8ride411]

I bought this house and the patio cover has an installed fan, the patio light mounted on the house wall are both connected to one switch inside the house. This video will definitely help me figure this out as I want two independent switches for these. Thank you for the clear and easy to understand video. 👍🏽

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the feedback!

[@Urnhartjr88]

This video was the simplest explanation I found. All the others try to make everything so complicated ... thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear that you found it helpful! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@danialdourte9250]

Clarified alot of things. Simple and straightforward. Thanks

[@jahanmortazavi7727]

These videos are so clear! Would love to see a video on dealing with a lose wire box. I have been changing all of my switches and outlets and have ran into that quite a bit.

[@timschulter9513]

Enough details to get the job done without a bunch of bunk about nothing. Short sweet and to the point! Great refresher course!

[@dollyjohnson28]

YES, finally someone let us in on the big mystery!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

😆 I am glad you liked it and found it helpful! Thank you for the feedback!

[@nickvillano6679]

@@HowToHomeDIY on op BBB

[@petersoloway5014]

Excellent! Clear, concise, well spoken, and excellent video filming and naration.

[@DanielGuzman31]

Thanks for the amazing videos Adam, I've always been scare of doing any electrical work at home because I had not experience or didn't know how everything work, watching your videos have help me a ton and now I feel more comfortable working with it.

[@kyle1247r]

Thank you! Simple, to the point, no nonsense!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome. Glad you liked it!

[@reginaldking3272]

Excellent instructions! I had to look at the video three times just to make sure I understood the load wires and the HOT wire coming into the outlet box. Thanks again and may The Lord continue to provide blessings to you and your family.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am really glad to hear that you liked it! Thanks a lot for the feedback. May the Lord bless and watch over you and your family as well Reginald!

[@trickymost]

Helpf but confusing at the end

[@jetpilot9976]

Very clear and to the point explanation. That is how you make a how to video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad you liked it and found it helpful. Thank you very much for the feedback!

[@job38four10]

This was the 2nd video I clicked, found it very helpful and very well explained. I only had two switches to hook up to the hot wire, for the life of me I couldn't figure out to do it, your instructions made it very simple, thanks for sharing........

[@danielworden4695]

Cleared a lot up because trying to figure out what other trade people has done in the box was mind blowing like the hot wire was never pigtailed ya that's what I wrote never even cut apart inside the electric box 😳I had to cut and pigtail it watching you do this cleared it all up for me thank you.

[@EngineMotor]

Nice, easy, safe, and direct to the point. You have helped me multiple times. I thank you 😊

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@charly611pm]

Thanks my friend , I knew it was easy but since I don't do this for a living I just wanted to confirm it was ok to do. And you answered my situation exactly! Thanks brother have a great day

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Charles, you are very welcome! Yeah it really is a pretty easy install. Glad it was able to serve as a confirmation for you. Thanks for the feedback. Take care brother!

[@jimdean294]

And if it starts poping breakers its wired correctley just turn off a couple things but thats another day

[@armandoaltamirano4159]

Good morning Adam, just to say thank you for sharing your electrical skills, it takes me more than 8 hrs to add those 3 switches in my washroom but I did it god bless you sir

[@THEGOODRIDE01]

Took this 3 switch box out last week to fix some drywall . Tried to label. Everything but that came undone along the way somewhere. Been trying to find a video to figgure out how to put it back. Your video was about the best , simplest clean cut one i e found THANK YOU ! and you got a new subscriber now also.

[@ronaldtbdavis4191]

Thank you, you made my project a whole lot easier!!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome. Glad to hear it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback!

[@G.Z.A.]

Thanks! I just spent all day installing new fans, and got confused with the 3 switch box I was rewiring the wires. Right now if i turn the 1st one on, everything turns on... But that's because i made a mistak, but after watching your video I understand now. Thanks for the video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Oh yeah, easy to do! Awesome, glad it was able to help you!

[@Redrune0928]

I've been looking for a straightforward guide on this for a while now thank you so much

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome. Glad you found it helpful!

[@NathanHarrison7]

Excellent video. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how to do this. Thank you for making it easy and sharing your years of experience with us. Subscribed.

[@davidrusk4053]

This video is a big help, thanks! I'm going to rewire the 2 switches in my garage. Currently one of the switches has the power wire going to the bottom connector of the switch and there's also a wire to the light fixture in the same connection point. The power wire continues on to the bottom of the 2nd switch. And there's no ground wire to the switches, only to the light fixtures.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey David, glad you liked it and you found it helpful! Sounds like rewiring may be the way to go! Good luck and thank you for the feedback!

[@bigpappi357]

Perfect!! Thank you so much, this video is the diamond I need to complete my installation.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! I am glad you found it helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@Marie-kj3xf]

The BEST straight forward tutorial I’ve seen yet! Thanks!!!!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@MakeSkiBoatsGreatAgain]

Thank you so much. Watched too many electrical videos that leave this simple step out.

[@Lexcano]

Every other video skips the most important part - for me at least is actually connecting the cables.. best explanation here! thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey, thank you very much for the feedback! I am glad to hear that it was helpful!

[@me2752]

Thank you Adam, I learned a lot watching your Video, very informative and very well explained !!!👍

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! You are very welcome. I am really glad to hear that you liked the video. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@michaelmorpheusfinley4327]

Clearest instruction on KZbin. Thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback!

[@diegotovar9391]

Well explained my friend. After 11 videos finally someone breaks it down easy to understand. Smooth flow

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome. I am glad you found it helpful! Thank you for the feedback!

[@kasserianingerapreservatio16]

Exactly what I was looking for. My electrician left me hanging halfway through the job.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey I am glad it was helpful. Hopefully you were able to get to the finish line! Thank you for the feedback 👍

[@turbofarviknugnnick5540]

AWESOME, exactly what I was looking for!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey, glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback 👍

[@jessebryantperkins1746]

Honestly same thanks lol

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@@jessebryantperkins1746 Hey Jesse, you are welcome, I am glad it helped you as well!

[@mattsprayberry0]

As someone who has no idea really how to wire much stuff this is the easiest and best way this could be explained I'm trying to save a dollar and rewire my whole 50 by 60 shop and this is the absolute easiest way anybody could explain how to wire a switch so thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@Taino871]

I am NOT an electrician, I am a licensed Heating and Air conditioning man. These videos have in fact made me better at my craft. I mean anyone can put wires together ( I am NOT Knocking electricians in the least) But you must know what where and how much. My jobs are much neater internally and ascetically. Thank you

[@valmirguri4880]

thanks this just what I needed, i need 3 different lights but want them to be separate from each other and had only one power source

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. I am glad it was able to help! Thank you for the feedback!

[@lankeycowboy]

Excellent! Easy to follow and understand. Problem solved.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the feedback Chris!

[@tonymlicuanan5360]

I got it. Very clear step-by-step demonstration, for me as the first timer. Awesome job1

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Really appreciate the feedback!

[@robfrydryck127]

This was so much clearer than any other of the other videos that I watch. Thank you so much

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You're very welcome! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@michaelgarcia2296]

Do you need to pigtail the ground wire? Can't you just connect them directly to the switch?

[@dustinadams1751]

Does it work the same way with a plug outlet and two light switches

[@darkopz]

No. Because you’ll need the White, Neutral wire for the outlet. So you’d need to pig tail off the white wire to attach to the outlet. The hot will be pig tailed off like in this video as well.

[@dragonflydreams2143]

Thank you so much for your help! My hubs and I were able replace old 3 switch lighting with your tutorial. It’s been a while for my hubs so he just needs a refresher. I learned a lot which is always handy.

[@Oneklickmedia]

Thanks man! First video I watch about doing this as I want to make my current one switch to three for recess LED lights. This already gave me a clear understanding what I need to do! Buying a roll of Romex 14/2 tomorrow and tackle this project lol

[@phenyxrogue7860]

Thank you for being so clear on how to properly wire a triple light switch.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@tombrophy9223]

Great video. You learn something everyday. I didn't know I could do multiple switches off of one power source. Thank you

[@iamthemiracle81]

Searched all kinds of videos and this was by far the best and was exactly what I needed. Thank you for the upload amigo. Cheers!

[@davidworker4053]

This is exactly what I’ve been trying to figure out, thank you!!!

[@chriskjeseth4575]

AWESOME. VERY GOOD. thank you, I've been looking for content and this one was by far straight to the point and understandable.

[@aaronlemmon8845]

Thank you for the simple, easy to follow video. The information helped me with my exact situation. Now it's time to flip the breaker on and test out the lights.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for the feedback and good luck with the project!

[@failtoysrules]

Thanks for making informative videos free and publicly available, doing a great service to society.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you found it so helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback and the Super Thanks Caleb!

[@dloc4594]

Thanks for the help! Very informative, theres not too many high quality instructional videos on 3 gang boxes. Will be subscribing

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad that it was helpful! Thank you very much for the feedback and for the sub! 👍

[@TheXenogias]

this is the best freaking video. i watched and read a bunch and this one was the most professionally recorded (and not on a 1998 nokia phone) and explained compared to every single video out there.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! I am really glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate it! I didn't use a 98 nokia it was a 2004 Motorola Razr, top of the line technology 😂

[@cathyhirzel3751]

BEST EXPLANATION! Thank you for your video walk through, you saved me some money!

[@davidsteinert5268]

FYI, for a beginner doing switches like that, it was a little vague on the switch wires as to which black went where. It seemed common sense, but we know it isn't common. All I noticed, other than that it was a great video, thanks for putting it up.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yeah I get what you are saying. Before I wired them I pointed to the top wires and said they were all the load wires, then the bottom wires and said they were all line and of course the bare wires were grounds. On a single pole switch the two black wires can go on either terminal. But as you pointed out, common sense isn't all that common haha. Thanks for the feedback!

[@davidsteinert5268]

@@HowToHomeDIY No problem, thanks for reading it, and replying.

[@angiekim1126]

Thanks for this great video! Thank you How To Home for the point out. We’ve all seen the rental with the upside down switch but I was curious about that too. I’m dealing with a mobile home daisy chain nightmare and wondered if where those blacks went would cause an issue. Again, thank you both!

[@robertdupuy8631]

I was stuck until I saw this! Thanks, you really helped an electrical dummy with not burning his house down!

[@quinnhen2325]

This was awesome. I’m about to change out old 70’s black outlets and switches. One room has a 3 toggle switch. I’m hoping it’s all ready divided up like this. If not, I’ll refer often to this video!!! I also have a few with 2 toggles. 😳 Wish me luck!! Doing it this coming weekend after I get the supplies.

[@tonyvee8181]

Adam thx i’m in the process of adding two switches to an existing switch and watching this video you just made me become an electrician for this project. Thank you.

[@MissMoyston]

Hey I’m adding one light switch to the one I have for a new light. Found out that their are two outlets also on that one power line. So adding mine would make a total of four(two outlets and two lights) my concern is can that one power wire support an additional light.? Did you check if your light was able to carry additional load and how did your project turn out?

[@miamivlad]

Thank you. Easy to understand and straight to the point.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@Marco858636]

That was absolutely superb. Watched other videos and your explanation was so easy and practical. Liked and subscribed 100%

[@dankamensky2315]

Thank you the video lol I have messing with this wiring for a couple hours when I gave up oddly enough when I opened up you tube your video was at the top thanks was easy to get all my switches wired and operated great 👍

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Really glad to hear it was helpful. Sounds like the timing was right on!

[@sashiroy7112]

Excellent simple clean explanation. Well done.

[@josephwbyrne1460]

Excellent tutorial; cleared up some hesitation regarding power source. Not a pro but I am experienced. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Joseph, glad you liked it and you found it helpful! Thank you for the feedback!

[@sivapillay8206]

Clear and concise, fully understood. Thank you

[@goomba478]

Really great video! I needed to split a switch to be a Dimmer / Regular switch and this helped me figure it all out. Appreciate it!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@teresafarley4033]

Need to wire two switches to two lights and this makes it easier than I thought. Thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Glad you liked it. Good luck!

[@sukhjinder71]

Great Video. Everything is so clear, and simple. I now am confident that I can do this. Thank you so much.

[@tonycotton8658]

Very clear instruction , it simplified my project I'm dealing with . Thank you

[@angelacosta3784]

2 year old video and still going! Thanks for this step by step process.

[@rogerjones9490]

A good/simple explanation for what I thought would be a complicated process.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad it was helpful. Really appreciate the feedback Roger!

[@ThinkWolfpack]

Simple and concise. Thanks for sharing.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for the feedback!

[@virgilsizemore3651]

This is what I thought it was, but I was great to have another opinion/view. Thanks. Great content!!!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback!

[@richarda8595]

Thank you for explaining this so clearly!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You're very welcome! I am glad you found it to be helpful!

[@NMcCauley]

Exactly what i was looking for. Thank you for vividly explaining it. 5⭐️

[@dennisjenzer7632]

Thank you! Just what I was looking for.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! I am glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback!

[@davetymchuk-tc7de]

Great video and very clear. Much appreciated! If I need to go from box to another box or boxes with lights do I handle the outgoing wire in the same manner as you did with the 3 wires going to the lights ie. you pigtail the ground, neutral with the others? What about the black? Thanks

[@brucewood2775]

Great job! Very clear instructions. Thanks.

[@nonaubiz8939]

That was extremely helpful. Thank you! I have two sets of wires, one for each switch, but want to add an outlet. I understand now how I can use one of the sets to add in the plug.

[@markmccarty1275]

Thanks Bro - you really helped me out installing two dimmer switches. Electrical work isn't my forte so appreciate the guidance!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome. Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback!

[@soulgranola]

Perfect! Love the clear example!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for the feedback!

[@CDD005]

Thanks so much! Easily understood. I am needing to do this exact thing in the next few days. 👍

[@RP006]

Awesome, my next project requires just this. Have wired one and two switches in the past, this will now make my three way much easier.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@markcooper9063]

Great I am wiring my wife's shop and this is a good refresher.thanks

[@ronaldjacobs7252]

Excellent. Just what I was looking for.

[@markmcguire4630]

Very nice and informative. Sure appreciate you making this simple

[@shehrozkhawaja6571]

You are a godsend. I think this was such a good video and detailed. KZbinrs make it so complicated by making it stupid long but you did it perfectly sir!! Subscribed and liked

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I really glad to hear that you found it so helpful! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@Hogster202]

I've got to tackle this same thing .Perfect tiiming!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Good luck on the project!