Help wiring stair lights

[karrun]

Okay, I admit it I know very little about electrical things. So this would probably be a simple job for someone who knows what they are doing. But I am scratching my head. I want to add 12V LEDs to my stairs. There is a spot in my command center for a switch and I lucked out and bought a perfect match for the spot. But I don't know how to wire it. The LEDs have a + and a - for the ground. My switch has two connectors labeled 3 and 2 and is described: 12 VDC Interior Switch, On / Off
Single On/Off Switch. For interior lighting and appliances. Cut-out: 1.125" x .55". SPST.
and looks like this.
So do I run power (pigtailed from another switch) to one of these, and the + lead from the LED to the other, and run the ground from the LED to a grounded metal piece on the frame? How do I know which connector to run the power to?

[karrun]

Not sure why I can't attach picture of switch, but here's the link.12 VDC Interior Switch, On / Off

[bubbles]

Yes, you have it. Sounds like the LED leads are marked for the positive input. Typically the power (pigtail) would be on the switch center most stud but it is just an ON/OFF switch and either switch stud will suffice.

[karrun]

Thanks for the input. I'll give it a shot tonight. As far as working with 12V safety wise, can I safely work with it without disconnecting the battery?

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by karrun

Thanks for the input. I'll give it a shot tonight. As far as working with 12V safety wise, can I safely work with it without disconnecting the battery?

If you have a battery disconnect switch use that to disconnect the battery and with your multimeter verify no 12 volts on the wire you are going to pigtail off of or the function (switch etc.) for the pigtail source no longer works. You might, instead, pull the fuse for that circuit. It's no different than working on your car when dealing with 12 volts. If you don't disconnect and you happen to touch your pigtail to ground you will blow the fuse for that circuit. It is always a good/safe practice to disconnect the power source when dealing/modifying electrical circuits. It's your call.

[Batts-toy]

Originally Posted by karrun

Thanks for the input. I'll give it a shot tonight. As far as working with 12V safety wise, can I safely work with it without disconnecting the battery?

Without disconnecting the battery, if you touch the + lead bare wire and ground yourself at the same time you will get shocked.

bubbles beat me to it. Good luck

[karrun]

Will do, thanks.

[BobHanke]

Sounds like you are working with a SPST (single pole single throw switch). Check with an ohm meter to see how to get on and off positions situated as you prefer. You could consider getting a tattle tale switch (with light) to know if remote device is on or off.

[karrun]

So I finished my stair mod and thought I'd share the results here. Really happy with the way it turned out. Thanks everyone for the help!

Sorry for the upside down shot