Neat Convert Single Light Switch To Double

Install the wall plate.

Convert single light switch to double. Turn the breaker on and test the double switch noting which switch now controls which fixture. Connect each of the two switched hot wires typically one black one red to the switched hot screw on a switch. Connect the single red with the single black and the short wire removed from the 2nd switch using the wire nut.

It is quite acceptable to change the single switch to a twin switch to control the new outside light. Disconnect the power to the switch by turning off the breaker that feeds the location. These will be used to make a pig tail.

You will have to add some additional wiring as it is most likely the existing garage light control switch will just have a permenant live supply and a return switch line back to the light fitting. Making a double light switch from a single light switch allows you to add an additional switch without tearing up your wall. Your single wall switch has now been converted to a double wall switch so you can control lights independently or turn on a light without turning on a fan and vice versa.

New boxes are also larger and allow for easier installation of gfci outlets or led dimmers which may not easily fit in older and shallower electrical. For example you might want to turn on a bathroom light separately from the ceiling fan. Though it is not.

Double switches sometimes called double pole allow you to separately control the power being sent to multiple places from the same switch. With the power off take the black wire off the 2nd switch that connects the 2 switches and remove the jumper and wire nut. Convert an existing 1 gang electrical box into a 2 gang box.

Learn how to install a double switch or combination two switches. This is useful if you want to add a plug next to a light switch or if you want to add a second light switch in an existing location. Connect the pig tail to the first switch.