Basic Single Switch Controlling 1 Light - Power Source at Switch

A description of the processes to connect a single switch controlling 1 light with the power source at the switch.

Bare ground wires are not shown in diagram, but at both light fixture and at switch location, the bare ground wires are connected together and if using a metallic electrical box, connect the bare ground to the grounding screw of box. If the switch has a grounding screw then connect to ground. Should the light fixture have a grounding screw (possibly green) or a green wire then connect to the bare ground wire and electrical box (if metallic)

Note that green wires, green screws, or bare wires are grounds.

Wiring

White wires are neutral, except in some switch arrangement where a white wire was used to feed a hot (live) to the switch. This is not the case in this switch/light arrangement with the power source at switch.

Black wires are hot (live) feeds.

Switched and Unswitched Sources of Power

In the event that a switched source of power is needed onward (ie. another light fixture), then at the light fixture connect black to black, white to white, bare to bare (& box if metallic).

All wire to wire connections should have the appropriate size insulated electrical nuts over the connections.