Help Installing Switch

[kyfullerton]

In my garage, I have a junction box in which the wires from the circuit are joined together with the three other wires (two lights and one outlet) with wire nuts. There is no light switch (the lights are dusk/dawn lights). I would like to install a single switch to control both lights. Can someone help me figure out (a) the best way to go about doing this and (b) which kind of switch to use? I have installed replacement switches and outlets and lights, etc., on many occasions, so I have some familiarity. But I'm having trouble with this one for some reason. Also, someone at Home Depot told me this was possible to accomplish with a single pole switch, but I'm not sure. Thanks for any advice you can give.

[HayZee518]

I have included a diagram for wiring dawn/dusk lamps using a tandem switch in one switchbox. This requires you to run two cables to the attic J box. You can do the same using a three wire but I drew the diagram using two cables. I can include a diagram using the three wire if you'd email me and let me know.

[kactuskid]

If this junction box in your garage is within easy reach then you can install the switch for the lights right in the jbox and no need to run additional wires to another box. First open the circuit breaker for this circuit. Then remove the wirenut that connects all the black (hot) wires together and separate the wires out. Leave the white wires (neutral) alone as they are.

Identify the incomming power wire and combine this wire, the wire feeding the receptacle and a 7" long pigtail wire of the same gauge under one wirenut. (So 3 wires total under wirenut)

Now the remaining two wires that feed your lights will be combined with another 7" long pigtail wire of the same gauge under one wirenut (So 3 wires total under this wirenut)

If there are ground wires in this box, then remove the wirenut connecting these together and connect a 7" long pigtail ground together with the rest of the ground wires. (So 5 wires under this wirenut using a red or blue wirenut)

If no grounds are in the box then connect a 7" long piece of ground wire between the metal junction box and the ground screw on the switch.

Fold all wires nice and neat into the box by bending the wires in a gentle accordian style, but leave the 2 pigtail wires sticking out through the center of the box. Now install a plaster ring that has a 3/4" rise onto the face of the junction box. Here is a link showing the plaster ring you'll need.
http://www.cornerhardware.com/index....d339d9c9c4bec1

Once the plaster ring is installed then connect the pigtails, one to each screw, of a single pole switch by wrapping the wire around the screw on the side of the switch in a clockwise direction.

Then install a plastic switch plate cover to the front of the plaster ring. For your lights to automatically go on, just leave the switch in the ON position.

[HayZee518]

Here's the three wire diagram of those switches