Switch Connection or Wiring in Series and Parallel

Hey, in this article, we are going to see the wiring diagrams for the connection of multiple switches in Series and Parallel. We will learn how to wire switches in Series and how to wire switches in Parallel. Also, we will learn how to operate them.

Connecting switches in series and parallel configurations can be useful in various electrical and electronic applications, primarily to control the flow of current in a circuit. For example, series-connected switches are often used in safety systems. For instance, in a machine or equipment setup, you might have multiple safety switches that must all be turned on to ensure safe operation. If any one of the switches is opened (turned off), the entire circuit breaks and the machine stops. 

On the other hand, Switches connected in parallel provide multiple paths for current to flow. When you want to provide multiple points of control for a device or system, you can connect switches in parallel. This allows you to control the same function from different locations. In some cases, you might want to control a single load using multiple switches. For example, imagine a lighting system in a large room. Parallel switches placed at different entry points allow you to turn the lights on or off from any entrance.

Switch Wiring Diagram and Connection in Series (for same light control)

Here, you can see the wiring diagram, where two switches are connected in series to control a single light. The wiring diagram shows the connection for both IEC and NEC Standards.

As you see in the above wiring diagram, the light will turn On when both switch 1 and switch 2 are turned On. If any one of them is turned Off the light also be turned Off.

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• Double Switch and Gang Switch Wiring Diagram
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Connection Procedure

1. The neutral terminal of the light is to be connected to the neutral terminal of the power source directly.

2. The ground connection should be provided to all the switches and lights if they have grounding terminals.

3. The Hot or Phase terminal of the power source is connected to one terminal of Switch 1.

4. The other terminal of Switch 1 is connected to one terminal of Switch 2.

5. The other terminal of Switch 2 is connected to the phase terminal of the light.

Switch Connection in Series for different light control

Here, you can see the wiring diagram, where two switches are connected in series to control two different lights. The wiring diagram shows the connection for both IEC and NEC Standards.

Here, when switch 1 is turned Off, both lights will be returned Off. When Switch 1 is turned On, light 1 will be turned On. When both switch 1 and switch 2 are turned On, both light 1 and light 2 will be turned On. But if Switch 1 is turned Off and Switch 2 is turned On, light 2 will not be turned On.

Connection Procedure

1. The neutral terminal of both lights is to be connected to the neutral terminal of the power source directly.

2. The ground connection should be provided to all the switches and lights if they have grounding terminals.

3. The Hot or Phase terminal of the power source is connected to one terminal of Switch 1.

4. The other terminal of Switch 1 is connected to one terminal of Switch 2 and the phase terminal of Light 1.

5. The other terminal of Switch 2 is connected to the phase terminal of the light 2.

Multiple Switches Wiring in Series

In the above wiring diagrams, we have used two Pcs switches but in the below wiring diagram, we have used three Pcs switches. In the same way, can connect more switches in series. Here also, the wiring diagram shows the connection for both IEC and NEC Standards.

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• What is Breaker Switch? Uses, Applications
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Connection Procedure

1. The neutral terminal of all three lights is to be connected to the neutral terminal of the power source directly.

2. The ground connection should be provided to all the switches and lights if they have grounding terminals.

3. The Hot or Phase terminal of the power source is connected to one terminal of Switch 1.

4. The other terminal of Switch 1 is connected to one terminal of Switch 2 and the phase terminal of Light 1.

5. The other terminal of Switch 2 is connected to one terminal of Switch 3 and the phase terminal of Light 2.

6. The other terminal of switch 3 is connected to the phase terminal of Light 3.

7. If we want to add more lights then we need to add more switches by following the previous method.

Switch Wiring Diagram and Connection in Parallel

Here, you can see the wiring diagram, where two switches are connected in parallel to control a single light. The wiring diagram shows the connection for both IEC and NEC Standards.

Here, turning On any one of the switches will turn On the light. And the light will be turned Off only when both of the switches are turned Off.

Connection Procedure

1. The neutral terminal of the light is to be connected to the neutral neutral terminal of the power source directly.

2. The ground connection should be provided to all the switches and lights if they have grounding terminals.

3. Connect both switches in parallel means connect the upper side terminals of both switches together and similarly connect the lower side terminals of both switches together.

4. Now connect the phase terminal of the power source to any one side terminal of the switch.

5. Connect the other side terminal of the switch to the phase terminal of the light.

Switch Wiring Diagram and Connection in Parallel

In the above diagram, we have seen two switches but in the below diagram, you can see three switches. So you can connect multiple switches in parallel by following the same procedure. The wiring diagram shows the connection for both IEC and NEC Standards.

Here also, turning On any one of the switches will turn On the light. And the light will be turned Off only when all three switches are turned Off.

Read Also: 

• 4-Way Switch Wiring Diagram and Connection
• What is Relay Switch? Circuit Diagram and Working Principle

Connection Procedure

1. The neutral terminal of the light is to be connected to the neutral neutral terminal of the power source directly.

2. The ground connection should be provided to all the switches and lights if they have grounding terminals.

3. Connect all three switches in parallel means connect the upper side terminals of all three switches together and similarly connect the lower side terminals of all three switches together.

4. Now connect the phase terminal of the power source to any one side terminal of the switch.

5. Connect the other side terminal of the switch to the phase terminal of the light.

Read Also: 

• SPDT(Single Pole Double Throw) Switch Wiring Connection
• Push Button Switch Wiring Diagram and Connection Procedure

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