Light Switch Replacement

Overview: Light switch replacement is a routine homeowner task. Nearly every homeowner will be need to eventually replace a light switch. It doesn't take a licensed electrician to replace a light switch, jut follow these tips and you can DIY.

They just don’t make light switches like they use to. Haven’t you heard that one before! Well, it’s a fact in the case of light switches. You know when you need a light switch replacement when the switch simply does not turn on the light anymore or the light flickers when turning it on. Light switches that builders and electricians install in homes are the most inexpensive available on the market and their service life is about three years if the switch is located on a light circuit that is frequently used such as in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. They cost less than a $1.00 each, whereby good quality light switches cost approximately $2.50 or more and will last for ten or more years.

Nearly every home owner needs to replace light switches from time to time. He can either do it himself or call an electrician that will charge you just about a $100.00 to change the light switch. This is a simple task that any home owner can perform with ordinary household tools.

• Screwdriver

• Long-nose pliers

• Voltage tester

• Wire strippers

• Wire cutters

There are three basic types of light switches used in homes:

1. Single pole switch which is the most common switch. It is identified by two wire terminals plus a ground wire. The toggle on a single-pole switch is clearly marked “On” and “Off”.
2. Three-way or four-way switch is not marked “On” and “Off” because it depends on the other switch (s) in the circuit as to it is “On”  or “Off” being in an up or down position. They have three wire terminals plus a ground wire. This type of switch works in tandem with another three-way or four-way switch so power can be turned on and off from two or more different locations.
3. A Dimmer switch type of switch dims or raises the lighting level.  

Remove power from the light switch by turning off the circuit breaker that feeds the switch. It may be labeled in the circuit breaker box, if not, turn the light switch on and off to ensure you have the correct circuit breaker. If the light goes out you have the correct breaker. If you are not positive check for voltage once the light switch wiring is exposed.

1. Remove the light switch cover.

2. Test for power using the voltage tester to insure that there is no power on the circuit.

3. Unscrew the two screws that hold the switch in the box and pull the switch out of the box.

4. Label each wire. If it is a single pole switch it has two black wires and a ground wire; green or bare copper. One of the black wires brings the current to the switch and the other takes the current from the switch to the light.

5. Loosen the terminal screws and pull off the wires. If the wires are attached to the switch by the “push in” connectors cut the wires from the switch as close to the switch as possible.

6. Remove the old switch and verify the new one is the same type.

7. Put the wires on the new switch terminals and tighten the terminal screws. If you had to cut the wires you will need to strip about ¾ of an inch of the wire insulation away and attach them to the new switch by the terminal screws or push the wires into the “push in” holes.

8. Install the new switch in the switch box by folding the wire into the box and replace the screws.

9. Ensure that no bare wire is contacting anything.

10. Replace the light switch cover.

11. Set the circuit breaker in the “On” position and test the new switch.

If the switch is a three-way or four-way switch there will be four wires; a black, red, and white, and a ground wire (green or bare copper wire) attached to the switch. Label the wires with a piece of tape before disconnecting them. Install the new switch in the same orientation as the old switch. Attach the wires to the switch and install the switch in the box. Install the cover plate and turn on the circuit breaker.

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