The switch puts power out to one wire or the other like a valve for water that goes in two directions. Its possible that the switch you removed was one of the two that controls the non functioning light.

3 Way Switch Wiring Electrical 101
Two pole light switch diagram. Wiring a 3 way light switch. The essence of the wiring configuration is for one hot feed wire entering the switch box to be split so that it feeds both switches which in turn feed hot wires in cables that lead out to two separate light fixtures. It shows the elements of the circuit as simplified forms and the power and signal links between the gadgets. A wiring diagram is a streamlined conventional pictorial depiction of an electrical circuit. Light switch wiring diagram single pole this light switch wiring diagram page will help you to master one of the most basic do it yourself projects around your house. Also included are wiring arrangements for multiple light fixtures controlled by one switch two switches on one box and a split receptacle controlled by two.
I have two new switches for exhaust fan and light there are only two switches in the wall but three sets of wires because there is two light fixtures. Wiring lights and switches. How to wire more than one light to a switch. Wiring a single pole light switch. Single pole switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture box. It is not uncommon for a circuit to be configured so that two wall switches in a single double gang box control two different light fixtures.
The double pole or 2 pole switch is essentially two single pole switches operated by one toggle. Leviton presents how to install a decora bination device with for. Bination two switches wiring diagram anything wiring diagrams. Double pole toggle switch wiring diagram. A switch loop single pole switches light dimmer and a few choices for wiring a outlet switch combo device. 2 pole toggle switch wiring diagram sample leviton 20 amp mercial double pole toggle switch white r52 and.
Armed with this information you should now be able to clearly identify the type of switch you are working with and the wiring diagram that will help you complete your home wiring project. Leviton 20 amp mercial double pole toggle switch white r52 and. This page contains wiring diagrams for household light switches and includes. Leviton double pole switch wiring diagram collections of wiring diagram dual light switch inspirational wiring diagram for a. Fresh single pole switch symbol electrical outlet symbol 2018. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
A switch with three wires could be used for a hall light with a switch at each end. Each side is an independent light switch. Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram. Collection of 2 pole toggle switch wiring diagram. Awesome single pole light switch wiring diagram wiring.