Given 14/3 is more expensive than 14/2, in most cases, Id say run power to the switch first unless its substantially father away from the power source than the lights (eg: the power-supplying wire passes your lights, then you have to double back with power to the lights).
Does power go to light or switch?
With power-through wiring, power enters the switch box directly. The feed wire (the hot wire coming from the service panel) runs to the switch before it goes to the fixture.
Does power go on top or bottom of switch?
When you turn on a light switch, power goes to the light through the “hot” (black) wire and then back through the neutral (white) wire to the ground. The bare or green-wrapped ground wires serve as a backup to divert the power safely away in case of an electrical fault.
Is there still power to a light when switch is off?
Power to the light box, and a loop to the switch. Even with the switch off, there are live wires at the light. You should be just fine with the light switch turned off. If the light switch is not in close proximity to the socket where you will be working, place a sign over it or tell family members to not touch it.
Why does light stay on when switch is off?
Even though the switch is turned off, the light stays on. The light is on because it is connected to a hot wire in the ceiling. The ceiling light needs to be connected to the leg conductor coming off of the switch in order for it to work.
How do you tell if a light switch is on or off?
Single-pole switch: Clip the wire of a continuity tester to one of the screw terminals, and touch the other terminal with the tester probe. Turn the switch lever on and off. The tester should light up when the switch lever is in the on position but should not light up when the switch lever is off.
What happens if I wire a light switch wrong?
But heres the catch: If you connect the circuit wires to the wrong terminals on an outlet, the outlet will still work but the polarity will be backward. When this happens, a lamp, for example, will have its bulb socket sleeve energized rather than the little tab inside the socket.
Can I take power from a light?
No you could run power to the new switch from a closer source if there an is unrestricted circuit* such as a receptacle closer. You could also replace the existing 2-conductor cable between the light and switch with a 3-conductor cable and run from the light as you planed.
How do you run power to a light switch?
0:534:35Single Pole Switch Lighting Circuits - How to wire a light switch - YouTubeYouTube
Can a faulty light switch cause a fire?
Most poor electrical connections can cause fires, including loose light switches. If the wire connections or nuts behind or on the side of the switch are loose, they may release heat and ignite other parts of the switch. If this is the case, youll need to replace the switch.