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Question:

What kind of switch can i use to put on an electrical wire?

I have a electrical wire to my ceiling light. The electrical outlet does not have an on/off switch so i want to put a switch on the wire next to my couch. I dont want a switch on the outlet since its not easily accessible. Is there a switch that can splice the two ends.

Answer:

A switch goes in the hot leg of the circuit. If you have a black and a white going to the device, you would cut the black (with the power off of course), and then connect the two loose ends to the two terminals on the switch. Hope this helps.
sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, a ceiling light light with wire looped across to an outlet? I hope you're kidding
I don't understand what you have exactly but if it is a ceiling light with a cord plugged into an outlet why not get a radio remote switch that you can mount anywhere
You can get an extension cord with a switch on it. Another option is a wireless switch. I got one from Target for like $25, it has two independent switches so that you can switch two lights with a little remote control. Wait is your electrical wire inside the wall or plugged into an outlet?
Disregard any answer referring to Hot or White wires. This is an American standard and not applicable to European practice. You can buy an in line switch from places like BQ or decent hardware shops. They are usually white plastic about 8cm long by 2cm wide by 1cm thick. Often they have a push button on top but some have a rocker switch. They cost about ?3. Disconnect the lead from the mains then cut the wire at a convenient place for you. Inside the cover of the switch you will see the switch unit itself and two brass or steel connector blocks. Connect the blue wires to one metal block, the green/yellow earth (if you have them) wires to another block and the brown (or red) wires to the switch unit itself. Make sure that you tighten up the cable grip screws before you reassemble the covers. Instructions are normally provided in the bag but if you are in any doubt whatsoever about this please don't do it.

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