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Installing or Replacing a Standard Light Switch |
From time to time wall switches fail when the contact points within the switch become worn or eroded. If a switch doesn't work, first make sure the problem is with the switch and not the light or device it's supposed to power. Plug a working lamp or other appliance into the switch-controlled receptacle to make sure the switch is faulty.
It's easier and cheaper to replace a switch than it is to repair it. Be aware that you don't need to replace it with the same kind of switch. For example, you might want to replace a single-pole switch with a dimmer switch to save energy and vary the lighting in a room to suit your needs. Both are wired into hot wires only and have either terminal screws or lead wires. (You can't, however, simply replace one switch with another type that requires more wires--a single-pole switch with a three-way switch or sophisticated lighting controls, for example.)
To replace a switch:
1) Shut off the power at the circuit breaker and test with a circuit tester to be sure the power is off.
2) Remove the switch from the electrical box and test the bare wire ends again to make sure they're not active.
(3) Remove the old switch and disconnect the wires.
4) If the new switch has a terminal screw, loop the circuit wires clockwise around the terminal screws.
5) If the new switch has short wires coming out of its body connect the bare ends to the wires in the wall and secure them with wire nuts.
6) Push the wires and switch into the wall box, secure the switch with two screws at the top and bottom, and put a face plate over the wall box.
When you replace a switch, make sure you check the amp and voltage ratings on the back of the old switch. The new switch should have the same ratings.
If you have aluminum wiring (the metal part of the wires looks silvery), be sure to get a replacement switch marked CO/ALR. Unmarked or CU/AL switches should be replaced with CO/ALR switches.
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