Wiring A Single Pole Switch With 3 Wire. The ground wire is typically green or copper. Here s a wiring method that eliminates extra connections and creates a neater installation.
Use a plastic wire cap to secure the two wires after wrapping protecting the connection and ensuring a tight seal. Of the three black wires only one of them is hot. To use a three way switch as a single pole one connect the hot wires to the common terminal and the traveler on the same side of the switch body.
Of the three black wires only one of them is hot.
Next connect the red wire to the hot. If the wire end is in poor condition trim off the bare end. Connect the ground wire to the green ground screw on the switch tightening the screw firmly with a screwdriver. Installing a 3 way switch first connect the ground wire to the corresponding wire on your dimmer.