How to connect a chain switch with a diagram (expert explanation)

Today we are going to walk through the wiring of the traction circuit breaker.

In order to set up a chain switch on a light fixture, you need to wire it correctly and use its wiring diagram, otherwise you may misconfigure the wires and fry the components. I have over 15 years experience with electrical wiring and by doing this job several times in my home and for clients, I can help guide you through the process.

Let's start below in more detail.

Quick Overview: To connect a chain switch, turn off the main power supply at the switch panel and remove the light bulbs and lampshade. Then detach the light fixture from the ceiling and find a solid workstation. Then pull the wire connectors and the old switch out of the fixture. You can now plug in the black cable and connect the orange connectors to the hot wires hanging from the ceiling. Finally, reattach the light with screws to the electrical box.

Step 1 Turn off the power

For safety reasons, turn off the main power source of the electrical appliance you are working on. You can do this by simply turning off the switch.

Step 2: Remove the dome and bulb

Once you've turned off the power, get rid of all lampshades and light bulbs. Unscrew the screws connecting the lighting fixture to the electrical box. Be careful not to break the bulbs as they are fragile. Remove the tool from the junction box.

Step 3: Remove the light from the electrical box on the ceiling.

Unscrew the cable connectors holding the neutral (white) wire from the fixture and the other neutral wire from the electrical box on the ceiling.

Disconnect the hot wire (black) from the overhead electrical box and the black wire from the fixture's chain switch. Unwind the connectors to separate them.

Complete the removal of the fixture from the ceiling by unplugging the wire connectors holding the bare copper wire from the electrical box to the ground wire.

Step 4: Move Your Light to a Sturdy Workstation

Move the lamp to a stable place, such as a wooden table. Make sure you have enough light for clarity.

Loosen the lock nut holding the chain switch away from the light. The chain goes through the lock nut for easy identification.(2)

Step 5: Remove the connector holding the hot wire

Unscrew the wire connectors holding the live wire from the traction circuit breaker to the live wire on the light fixture. There are two live wires attached to the tensioner switch. Of the two wires, one is connected to the main power cable in the junction box. And the other is attached to the lamp.

Step 6: Remove the existing chain switch from the fixture.

Remove the existing traction chain switch from the tool and discard. Install the threaded neck of the new traction circuit breaker through the hole you pulled the old light out of. Pull the chain through the lock nut. Then connect the nut to the threaded socket of the switch. Turn it clockwise.

Step 7: Connect the hot wire from the fixture

At this point, connect the black cable from the light switch to the black cable on the chain switch. To do this, wind the connector of the orange cable around two wires. Secure the connection with a cap.

Step 8 Connect the orange cable connector to the hot wire on the ceiling.

Twist together the black cable hanging from the ceiling electrical box and the black cable from the chain switch. To connect, wind the orange cable connector.

You can now reconnect the two neutral/white cables to the orange connector. Then screw the other orange connector onto the bare copper cables coming from the overhead electrical box to connect it to the ground (green) wire from the fixture.

Step 9: Connect the light to the electrical box on the ceiling.

Finally, reconnect the light to the electrical box. Use the screws you originally removed when pulling the fixture out of the ceiling. Now you can replace the lampshades and bulbs on the lamp.

Restore power to the light and check the switch.

Take a look at some of our articles below.

• How to connect ground wires to each other
• How to test a fluorescent light bulb with a multimeter
• How to test a light switch with a multimeter

Recommendations

(1) electricity - https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/electricity/

(2) identification – https://medium.com/@sunnyminds/identity-and-identification-why-defining-who-we-are-is-both-necessary-and-painful-24e8f4e3815

Video link

How to install and wire pull cord switch