The following instruction will help guide you through wiring a standard 2-way switch. A 2-way switch is another way of sayin an ON-OFF switch. The switch itself is a standard 2-way switch labeled with an "ON" and "OFFF" position. The hot wire is connected to the switch. The switch either allows power to flow through or breaks power.
The 2-way circuit is usuallly found in one of two configurations. The most common is the feed (hot, neutral, and ground) is brought to the switches location. In this situation the black or hot lead is connected to one of ther terminals on the switch. Another black leak connects to the other terminal and continues to the light. The neutral and ground are never broken by the switch and are usually spliced to the coresponding wires that continue directly to the light.
The other configuration for a typical lighting circuit, is when the power originates at the light. The neutal and ground wires connect directly to the light. The hot lead is then sent over to the switch where it is connected to one of the terminals. The switched hot then returns back to be terminated to the light.
Remember the neutral should not be connected to your switch. The purpose of the switch is to switch the hot leg only. Whenever you use a white wito re for a switched hot lead, you should identify it with electrical tape.
How to Wire a Switch
The following instruction will help guide you through wiring a standard 2-way switch circuit. This switch circuit could be connected to a ceiling fan, a light, or multiple lights and fans. A 2-way switch is another way of saying an ON-OFF switch. The switch itself is a standard 2-way switch labeled with an "ON" and "OFF" position. The hot wire is connected to one terminal of the switch. The wire on the other terminal of the switch goes to the light or fan that is to be controlled. When the switch is in the ON position is allows power to flow through, when the switch is in the OFF position it breaks power.
Typical Switch Wiring - Power at Switch - Click for Close-Up
The 2-way circuit is usually found in one of two configurations. The most common is the feed (hot, neutral, and ground) is brought to the switches location. In this situation the black or hot lead is connected to one of their terminals on the switch. Another black leak connects to the other terminal and continues to the light. The neutral and ground are never broken by the switch and are usually spliced to the corresponding wires that continue directly to the light. The other configuration for a typical lighting circuit, is when the power originates at the light. The neutral and ground wires connect directly to the light. The hot lead is then sent over to the switch where it is connected to one of the terminals. The switched hot then returns back to be terminated to the light.
Typical Switch Wiring - Power at Light - Click for Close-Up
Remember the neutral should not be connected to your switch. The purpose of the switch is to switch the hot leg only. Whenever you use a white wire for a switched hot lead, you should identify it with electrical tape.
Electrical 
