Electrical switch wiring diagrams are used to illustrate the process of wiring a switch. A switch is a device that is used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. In this article, we will discuss the wiring diagram for a 120 208v electrical switch.
Understanding 120 208v Electrical Switch Wiring Diagrams
Before we dive into the wiring diagram, it is important to understand what 120 208v means. 120 208v is a type of electrical power configuration that is commonly used in commercial buildings. It consists of three phases and a neutral wire. The voltage between any two phases is 208 volts, while the voltage between one phase and the neutral wire is 120 volts.
In a 120 208v circuit, the three phases are represented by the letters A, B, and C. The neutral wire is represented by the letter N. The wiring diagram for a 120 208v electrical switch will show the connections between the switch and the wires that carry electricity from the power source.
Wiring a 120 208v Electrical Switch
The wiring diagram for a 120 208v electrical switch will have several components, including the switch itself, wires that carry electricity to and from the switch, and other electrical devices that are connected to the switch. The wiring diagram will also show the proper connections for grounding and bonding the switch.
Step 1: Turn off Power
Before you begin wiring the switch, you must turn off the power to the circuit that will be modified. This can be done by turning off the circuit breaker that controls the circuit or by turning off the main power switch for the building. Always use caution when working with electricity to avoid shock or electrocution.
Step 2: Determine Wire Color Code
The first step in wiring a 120 208v electrical switch is to determine the wire color code for the circuit. This can be found on a wiring diagram or on the wires themselves. The wire color code will indicate which wire is neutral, which wires are the three phases, and which wires are ground wires.
Step 3: Connect Ground Wires
The next step is to connect the ground wires. Ground wires are connected to the switch by attaching them to the grounding terminal on the switch. The ground wires are typically bare copper wires or green wires with a yellow stripe.
Step 4: Connect Neutral and Phase Wires
After connecting the ground wires, the next step is to connect the neutral and phase wires. In a 120 208v circuit, the neutral wire is connected to the neutral terminal on the switch. The phase wires are connected to the switch by attaching them to the appropriate terminals, depending on the function of the switch.
Step 5: Test the Circuit
After completing the wiring, the circuit should be tested to ensure that it is working properly. This can be done by turning on the circuit breaker or main power switch and testing the switch to see if it is functioning as intended.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
What is a 120 208v electrical switch? | A 120 208v electrical switch is a switch that is used in a circuit with a voltage of 120 volts between the neutral wire and one of the three phase wires, and a voltage of 208 volts between any two phase wires. |
What is the wire color code for a 120 208v circuit? | The wire color code for a 120 208v circuit will indicate which wire is neutral, which wires are the three phases, and which wires are ground wires. |
What is the function of a 120 208v electrical switch? | The function of a 120 208v electrical switch is to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. |
What is the proper way to ground an electrical switch? | Ground wires are connected to the switch by attaching them to the grounding terminal on the switch. |
How do you know if a 120 208v circuit is working properly? | The circuit should be tested by turning on the circuit breaker or main power switch and testing the switch to see if it is functioning as intended. |