How To Replace a Light Switch
Replacing a light switch is a relatively simple job if you have some knowledge of electrical work. Our guide teaches you how to DIY the task.
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Homeowners use light switches constantly, which means they are likely to wear out over time. Replacing a light switch is a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) project, as long as you practice the necessary safety requirements and learn how to connect switch wiring correctly. You’ll also need to discern between different light switches, have the correct tools, and learn how to perform inspections. Our step-by-step guide on replacing a light switch will help beginners and experienced DIY-ers alike.
Safety Considerations
You must take special safety precautions when working with electricity to avoid potential damage to you or your home. Confirm you have the right type of replacement before you begin work, and ensure you have stopped the electrical current from reaching the switch.
Your light switch will probably be one of the following three varieties:
- Dimmer switch: A dimmer switch allows you to choose different light levels by turning a dial.
- Single-pole light switch: The single-pole switch is the most common type of light switch, and it controls one fixture from one location.
- Three-way switch: A three-way switch allows you to control a fixture from two locations, and homeowners typically use this type of switch in hallways, stairways, or large rooms.
Once you’ve turned off power to the circuit at the breaker box, use a piece of tape to mark the switch so that no one mistakenly turns it back on while you’re working. Return to the switch and flip it on to confirm you’ve stopped the electricity correctly.
Finally, a voltage tester is used to confirm that no current is flowing to the switch. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the switch plate. Touch the probes to the terminal screws on the side of the light switch to make sure there’s no live current. The meter should yield no response.
What You’ll Need
The right tools and supplies are vital for a smooth replacement process. You’ll need tools to interrupt electrical current, handle wires, and remove your faceplate. Gather the essential tools and supplies below before beginning work:
- Electrical tape: Use to safely secure wires in place.
- Flashlight: Use to see inside the switch box.
- Flathead or Phillips screwdriver: Use to remove faceplates and secure the new device.
- Needle-nose pliers: Use to maneuver wires you can’t easily reach with your fingers.
- Replacement switch: Use to replace your faulty switch
- Wire connector: Place over the junction where wires connect.
- Wire cutters: Use to clip wires.
- Wire stripper: Use to make a secure connection in case wires require stripping.
- Voltage meter: This confirms that no electrical current flows to your switch.
Instructions
Follow the step-by-step process below to safely replace your light switch:
Removing the Old Switch
Turn off the circuit breaker that sends power to the switch at your home’s fuse box. Tape the breaker in the off position to ensure no one turns it back on while you’re working.
Return to the switch and flip it on and off to ensure you’ve turned off the right breaker. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cover plate in place.
Make sure the tool has fresh batteries, and test to see if the current is flowing to the switch at the screw terminals. If there is a live current, the voltage tester will light up, beep, or move a needle.
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the mounting screws that hold the switch in place. Gently pull the switch from the electric box without stressing the wires. Compare your replacement switch to the old one, and ensure it looks the same.
Two or three wires, including the ground wire, come from a single-pole switch, and three or four wires connect to a three-way switch. Expect to see black wire, white wire, and green or copper wire. Inspect the wires for damage and observe how they connect. Take a picture with your phone to reference when you connect the new switch.
The power is disconnected, and you can safely work with one wire at a time. Detach the first wire from the old switch, and attach it to the corresponding screw on the new switch. If the wires attach with push-in connectors, gently press the connectors with the tip of your screwdriver to release the wires.
Follow the steps below to install the new switch.
Installing the New Switch
If the wire loop at the end of the wire is nicked or damaged, snip off the damaged portion with your wire cutters. Expose another 3/4-inch wire with your wire strippers to make a new loop.
Carefully slide the new switch into the electrical box so that it fits and the toggle switch is oriented downward.
Refer to your photo to check for the correct placement of wires.
Attach the wires to the terminals in the new switch to mimic the previous arrangements. Ensure each connection is tight and secure and there are no exposed wires.
Once you’ve securely connected your wires, carefully push the switch back into the electrical box receptacle. Replace the mounting screws.
Put the wall plate in place, and replace the screws.
Go back to the fuse box and turn the power back on. If your new switch works, you’ve completed the job correctly.
If you flip the switch and nothing happens, don’t panic. First, make sure you’ve turned the power on. If power is running to the switch, and the light still isn’t working, turn the power back off. Once the power is off, remove the faceplate. Slide the new switch from the electrical box and ensure each wire is securely attached to the correct terminals. If everything is correct but the problem continues, consult a professional electrician.
When To Call a Professional
If you’re unfamiliar with basic electrical work or uncomfortable working with electricity, call a professional for help. You should also contact a professional if you encounter any of the following issues while replacing a light switch.
- The switch doesn’t work or improperly works after you’ve installed it.
- Wires that connect to the old switch are damaged or broken.
- You can’t securely connect the wires to the new switch.
- You can’t successfully turn off power to the electrical switch.
Our Conclusion
You can replace a light switch as a DIY project if you’ve put the right safety measures in place and have some knowledge of electrical work. Working with electricity always presents a potential for danger, though, so make sure you know how to connect wires to terminals correctly before you begin your project. Contact an electrician if you feel unsafe or unsure of your abilities during the light switch replacement project.
FAQ About Replacing Light Switch
Can I replace a light switch myself?
You can replace a light switch if you understand circuits and can perform the job safely. Contact a professional if you’re unsure about your ability to safely complete electrical work.
What type of light switch do I have?
Determine what type of light switch you have by observing how it works and counting the number of wires that connect to the switch beneath the faceplate. A single pole switch controls a fixture from one location, while a three-way switch controls a fixture from two locations. A dial controls a dimmer switch.
How do I know if my light switch is bad?
You can tell if your light switch is bad by observing one of the following signs:
- A loose or wobbly switch
- A switch that is warm to the touch
- Crackling or buzzing sounds that come from the switch
- Flickering lights that a new bulb doesn’t fix
- Sparks emerge from the switch
- The switch is unresponsive
How much does it cost to replace a light switch?
The cost to replace a light switch isn’t significant. You’ll need to cover the cost of a replacement switch and any tools you don’t have.
Can a faulty light switch cause a fire?
Yes, a worn-out light switch that generates excessive heat or faulty wiring can be a fire hazard.
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