By Mark J. Donovan
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Changing a light switch is a relatively straight
forward project to do, however when dealing with electricity safety needs to
be the top priority.
You can change a light switch in less than an hour
using just a common screwdriver and a pair of Needle Nose Pliers.
To begin with, turn power off to the switch at the
main circuit panel or fuse box. Note, it is best to use only one hand
when turning on and off the circuit breaker. |
Your other hand should not be touching the circuit
panel or anything that could come in contact with the ground.
Make sure you let everyone in the home know that
you are working on the switch and that for no reason should they turn power
back on at the main circuit panel or fuse box. You may also consider putting
a piece of tape over the circuit breaker and label it “DO NOT TURN ON”.
After turning power off at the circuit panel or
fuse box, toggle the light switch a couple of times to ensure that the light
switch is no longer operational.
Next, using your screwdriver, remove the screws
that hold the switch faceplate and pull the face plate off.
Now remove the two screws that hold the light
switch to the electrical box.
Next, pull the switch out from the electrical box
a few inches.
Label each wire with a piece of tape indicating
which wire attaches to which screw or press-fit socket.
Using your screwdriver and/or Needle Nose pliers
remove the wires from the switch.
Visit your local home improvement store with your
switch in hand, and find an exact replacement to it. If you are looking for
a different style switch, ask a salesperson to help you find a functionally
equivalent switch. For example, if your old switch is a Single Pole, Single
Throw (SPST) type, you will need to find a replacement switch that is
functionally the same.
Install the new switch, making sure to attach the
wires back according to the labels you made earlier.
Push the newly wired switch into the electrical
box and attach it with the two mounting screws.
Reinstall the switch faceplate cover and you are
ready to test it.
Turn the power back on to the switch at the main
circuit panel or fuse box.
Toggle the light switch and confirm the light
turns on and off properly.
For more information on Changing a Light
Switch, See HomeAdditionPlus.com's "How
to Change a Light Switch Ebook". It provides detailed, easy to
understand, step-by-step instructions and pictures, on how to replace a
Light Switch.
For information on refinishing Brass Exterior
Light Fixtures, See HomeAdditionPlus.com's "Refinishing
Brass exterior Light Fixtures Ebook". If you are are tired of
looking at those dull and faded brass exterior light fixtures on the outside
of your home, and want to do something about it this Ebook provides
detailed, easy to understand, step-by-step instructions and pictures, on how
to make them look like new.
How to Finance your Home Electrical Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on residential electrical work from one of our prescreened and licensed
electrical contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to
continue once you receive your electrical contractor price estimate.
