Switch location...

[zizanio]

I am adding a new kitchen to my home and running new wiring, adding new lights, etc and thought I would ask about the switch location for the door to my backyard.

I have 4 switches lined horizontally set up on a wall next to the door on my left hand side as I am facing them. 2 of the switches are for lights in the yard and 2 are for lights in the house. I know that it is all a matter of choice but where would it be more practical for the switches for the inside/outside lights be located in the switchbox? Should the switches for the outside be closer to the door and the switches for the inside be farther from the door?

[chandler]

As you said, it is a matter of preference. I usually put the spotlights (if any) on the one nearest the door, the porch light, next, and the interior lights on the "interior" of the switch assembly. There is no rhyme or reason, but I figure the ones nearest the door define themselves as out, and the ones "in", are in.

[wirenut1110]

I normally put the switches so when you come in the room, the first switch will be for that room.

In your situation, I'd have them so, in order closest to the door, Switches 1 & 2 for the inside and switches 3 & 4 for the outside.

Just my opinion.

[zizanio]

Great...one of each...

Maybe I should position the box vertically.

[ArgMeMatey]

I have a 4-gang by my door and here's how they go, in order from closest to the door:

1. Inside light on ceiling above door
2. Outside light under awning outside door
3. Floodlights
4. Blank

The above seems most sensible to me for total manual control however ... I ended up putting #2 on a photocell so it is on all night for security. I will probably change that switch to keyed at some point or just move it to position 3 or 4.

Edit: Leave enough slack on your cables so you can re-arrange the order as you wish.

[Gunguy45]

Well, since this is more an opinion question...here's mine.


|back door| | outside sconce floods oversink main kitchen |


|front door| | outside sconce floods Livingroom light |


In other words...closest switch to the exterior door is for exterior light closest to the door. Switch furthest from the edge of the door is for the lighting furthest into the room.

[zizanio]

how about the switch plate placed vertically? Do I sense ADD here?