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For more information about two switches controlling one light see the Related Questions shown below.

* You need to have two switches on to get power to the light because you have them wired in series. * I going to go out on a limb here and say that you possibly are asking about three way switches and why are they functioning in this manner. * One of the switches or possibly both are wired incorrectly.

* You may be able to sort this out by yourself through trial and error, but it would probably be quicker to consult a local electrician.

<><><> By asking this question you are probably not quite ready to take on this particular task. The correct answer to your question will depend on the exact locations of the two light switches and the lights they control.

<><><> As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

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Q: Why do two light switches need to be on in order to get any power to the lights?
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How do you wire one light and one GFCI and another light light and fan with two switches and one power line?

Connect the incoming power to the line side of the GFCi outlet. Now run another wire connected to the line side of the GFCI outlet from the GFCI outlet to the switches. Power one of the switches and use that switch to turn on the 2 lights. Run power from that switch to another switch and use that switch to send power to the fan. Mount both switches in a double pole switch box. If the light above the sink has an outlet on it then you will have to connect power going to that light on the load side of the GFCI outlet. If not then just connect it to the line side.


How do you wire 2 new lights with on-off switches using wires coming from an existing outlet?

You can attach/splice into the power feed to outlet (ways of doing this can vary with how the outlet is wired but make sure that all or part of the outlet isn't controlled by an existing switch). You can then take the hot, neutral and ground to a light fixture or to the first switch, then to the second switch. It is normally easier to do this project by taking power to the light (s) first, with 2 wire drops to the switches, from basement or attic.


How do you convert 12 volt trailer lights to 24 volts?

Change the trailer light bulbs to 24 volts and supply a 24 volt source to power them, in that order.


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If you want to add a light in a closet can you tap into a three wire red white black that is running between the two switches powering your hallway light and if so how?

Three wire strand running between 2 switches is for a 3 way switch. It is only one side of the circuit. Since it is only one side and switches between the 3 wires there is no way to use it for a light. There may be power at the hall light, but I have seen all types of wiring and each circumstance has to be looked at on it's own.

Related questions

If you have a light in your kitchen operated by two different switches is it right that you should still get a power reading when the switches are off?

Yes, because the light is using 3-way switches. There is always "power" travelling between the switches.


How do you wire one light and one GFCI and another light light and fan with two switches and one power line?

Connect the incoming power to the line side of the GFCi outlet. Now run another wire connected to the line side of the GFCI outlet from the GFCI outlet to the switches. Power one of the switches and use that switch to turn on the 2 lights. Run power from that switch to another switch and use that switch to send power to the fan. Mount both switches in a double pole switch box. If the light above the sink has an outlet on it then you will have to connect power going to that light on the load side of the GFCI outlet. If not then just connect it to the line side.


In what order do you push down the buttons on 24 carrot island?

To turn on the power in the Carrot Cake Factory, push the left and right switches halfway down, and the middle switch all the way down. The lights will light up when you do.


What can cause head lights not to work no power to light?

head lights won't work, no power to them, signal works , reverse lights work


How do you make a 2 way switch which breaks the circuit only when both the switches are turned off?

Send power to the 1st switch and then send the power from that switch when it is in the on position to the second switch. Then send power to the light from the second switch. That way both switches will have to be in the on position for the light to be on.


Why do the interior lights light up inside a Volkswagen beetle?

Well they are interior lights. Usually lights light up (assuming there is power to them and they aren't burnt out.


Why was the light switch made?

The light switches were made as a way for those to be able to conserve energy created to power lightbulbs


What lights first when computer switched on?

On a desktop, the power button will usually light up. On a laptop, the power lights (located on the front of the laptop) will usually light up first.


What type of power does light uses?

Lights can run on electric power, gas or acetylene.


How do you know which light bulb is bad on a Christmas string of lights?

Plug the "string of lights" into the power point. If a particular light does not come on, then it is "bad".


Why was the first light switch made?

The light switches were made as a way for those to be able to conserve energy created to power lightbulbs


Why is it that we often see multiple switches wired in series with a load?

Deadman or failsafe switches. Think of them as an and gate logic circuit...all switches must be on (1) in order to power the load (1).