Quality hardware deserves an informed installation. Whether you are working with a licensed electrician or handling the project yourself, understanding how your switches, dimmers, and outlets connect gives you confidence that every detail behind the plate is as considered as the finish in front of it.
This guide covers the fundamentals of residential wiring as it relates to our product line. It is not a substitute for professional training or local code requirements, but it will help you speak the language, plan your installation, and know what to expect.
Safety First
- Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before working with electrical wiring.
- Use a voltage tester to confirm the circuit is de-energized before touching any wires or terminals.
- Follow all local electrical codes.
- If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified electrician. Electrical work can be hazardous and should only be performed by individuals comfortable and knowledgeable with household wiring.
Wiring Terminology
Before working with any electrical device, it helps to know the standard wire colors and terminal conventions used in US residential wiring.
- Hot / Live Wire (Black or Red)
- Carries electrical current from the power source to the device.
- Neutral Wire (White)
- Completes the circuit by carrying current back to the power source.
- Ground Wire (Green or Bare Copper)
- Safety wire that routes fault current. Connects to the green screw.
- Traveler Wires (Red, Black, or other colors)
- Used between 3-way or 4-way switches. They do not carry constant power directly from the source.
- Load Wire
- Carries power from the switch or dimmer to the light fixture.
- Terminal Screws
- Brass or black screws connect to hot wires. Silver screws connect to neutral. Green screws connect to ground.
Single-Pole Wiring
A single-pole switch controls a light or fixture from one location. It is the simplest and most common wiring configuration in residential homes.
Standard Single-Pole Connection
- Connect the hot (black) wire to the brass or common terminal.
- Connect the load wire to the other brass terminal.
- Connect the neutral (white) wire to the silver terminal if required by the device.
- Connect the ground (green or bare copper) wire to the green screw.
Metal Workz Toggle Switch
Our toggle switches are configured as 3-way switches but work seamlessly in single-pole installations. This means you can upgrade to 3-way control later without replacing the switch. Simply connect the hot wire to the common terminal and the load wire to one traveler terminal.
Metal Workz Single-Pole Dimmer
Our single-pole dimmers have two wires and do not require a ground connection (the body is fully plastic). Connect the black (hot) wire from your electrical box to the dimmer's brown (input) wire. Connect the load wire going to your light fixture to the dimmer's blue (output) wire. If grounding is required by local code, ground the metal box or fixture directly.
3-Way Wiring
A 3-way circuit controls a single fixture from two locations. This is common in hallways, staircases, and large rooms where you want a switch at each entry point. The two switches are connected by a pair of traveler wires that shuttle current between them depending on switch position.
3-Way Connection Steps
- First switch (power source side): Connect the hot (black) wire from the power source to the common terminal.
- Connect the two traveler wires to the two traveler terminals on the first switch.
- Second switch (load side): Connect the two traveler wires from the first switch to the traveler terminals on the second switch.
- Connect the load wire going to the light fixture to the common terminal on the second switch.
- Connect all ground wires to the green ground screws on both switches and to the electrical box grounds.
- Neutral wires typically bypass 3-way switches and connect directly at the light fixture.
Metal Workz 3-Way Dimmer
Our 3-way dimmers come with four US-colored wires, including a dedicated ground wire and two traveler wires. A 3-way dimmer requires a companion dimmer or standard 3-way switch at the other location for complete installation.
4-Way Wiring
A 4-way switch sits between two 3-way switches to control a fixture from three or more locations. Each additional control point requires another 4-way switch in the chain. The 3-way switches always occupy the first and last positions.
4-Way Connection Steps
- The first and last switches in the circuit are 3-way switches, wired as described above.
- Each 4-way switch connects between the travelers of the 3-way switches.
- The 4-way switch has four traveler terminals — two input travelers from one side and two output travelers to the other.
- Connect all ground wires to the green ground screws.
- Neutral wires pass through without connecting to any switches.
Outlet Wiring
Outlets follow a straightforward wiring pattern. The key is matching wire colors to the correct terminal screws.
Duplex Outlet Connection
- Connect the hot (black) wire to the brass terminal.
- Connect the neutral (white) wire to the silver terminal.
- Connect the ground (green or bare copper) wire to the green screw.
All Metal Workz outlets are tamper-resistant for enhanced household safety.
GFCI Outlets
GFCI outlets provide ground fault protection and are required by code in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor locations. GFCI outlets have separate LINE and LOAD terminals — LINE connects to the power source, LOAD connects to downstream outlets you want to protect. If you are unfamiliar with GFCI wiring, we recommend installation by a licensed electrician.
USB Outlet
Our USB outlet combines USB-A and USB-C charging ports with built-in GFCI protection. Wiring follows the same GFCI pattern shown above.
Dimmer and Bulb Compatibility
Our dimmers use TRIAC leading-edge technology, which reduces power by cutting the front of the AC wave. This is the most widely supported dimming method for residential lighting, but not every bulb is compatible.
Maximum Wattage
Each dimmer switch supports up to 150W LED or 300W incandescent. Do not exceed these ratings.
Compatible Bulbs
| Bulb Type | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Incandescent bulbs | Fully compatible |
| Halogen bulbs | Fully compatible |
| Dimmable LED bulbs | Compatible — check packaging for leading-edge dimmer support |
Incompatible Bulbs
| Bulb Type | Issue |
|---|---|
| Non-dimmable LED bulbs | Will cause flickering, buzzing, or damage |
| Fluorescent / CFL bulbs | Not compatible unless specifically stated |
| Some electronic low-voltage (ELV) systems | May require a trailing-edge dimmer |
LED Strips and Low-Voltage Lights
LED strips require a power supply (LED driver) to convert 120V AC to low-voltage DC. For dimming to work, you must use a TRIAC dimmable LED driver — also labeled "phase-cut dimmable" or "leading-edge compatible."
The correct wiring order:
- Power source (120V)
- Metal Workz dimmer
- TRIAC dimmable LED driver
- LED strip or fixture
Never connect a dimmer directly to a low-voltage LED fixture without a compatible driver.
Smart Home Compatibility
All Metal Workz toggle switches and dimmers are designed as dedicated mechanical devices and are not compatible with smart home or automation systems.
However, our Decora receptacle opening — a solid brass plate with a standard Decora/Designer opening (NEMA WD-6) — accepts any standard Decora device, including smart switches, smart dimmers, and home automation controls. This offers a path to smart home functionality behind the same solid brass craftsmanship.
A Note on Our Vintage Toggle
Our vintage toggle switch carries CE certification and is rated at 15A 250VAC / 20A 125VAC, with an ON-ON (3-way compatible) configuration. This differs from our standard toggle switch, which carries UL & cUL certification at 120VAC / 15A.
Both switches function identically in single-pole and 3-way installations. For detailed specifications, refer to the product page or contact our support team.
Installation Notes
- All Metal Workz electrical products are compatible with standard US electrical boxes.
- Every product includes our precision-made 6-32 thread brass coin screws — purpose-crafted to complement your hardware and distinct from standard hardware-store screws.
- For multi-gang configurations (2-gang through 4-gang), ensure your electrical box is rated for the number of devices being installed.
Need Help?
If you have questions about your specific wiring setup or need guidance choosing the right configuration, our team is here to help. Reach out at support@metal-workz.com or visit our product pages for detailed specifications.