How to Replace a Light Switch
Is your light switch making a popping or crackling sound when you flip it? Would you like to upgrade its style or functionality? Or is your switch just broken? If any of these apply to you here are seven easy steps to replacing a light switch yourself.
Tools You’ll Need: Screwdriver, Wire Cutters, Wire Strippers, Wire Tester, Utility Knife, Flashlight or other portable light source
Step 1: Cut Circuit Power to the Switch
Before starting any electrical project, cut the power to that circuit to avoid getting electrocuted. Go to your electrical panel or fuse box to find which circuit to turn off. Always check and double check for safety!
Pro Tip: Many panels are labeled, but some aren’t. Go through your circuits with the lights on so you can see when power to your switch goes off. If you’re not in the same area as the one to which you’re trying to break power, have someone stand in that area and call to you when the light goes off. Now might be a great time to add labels that might be missing or misleading.
Step 2: Remove the Old Switch
Start by removing the old cover plate, using your screwdriver. If the plate will still fit your new switch and if it isn’t cracked or broken, set it aside to use again. Otherwise, you won’t need this plate anymore. Next, unscrew the switch from the wall and pull the switch out of the wall box. At this point, if you have a wire tester, you’ll want to test the wires to be certain there is no power flowing to the switch.
Pro Tip: Occasionally, the faceplate or the switch can be painted over, making them difficult to remove. You may need to use the utility knife to score the edges of the plate or switch to break it free and avoid pulling paint from the wall.
Step 3: Disconnect Wires from the Old Switch
Take a look at your switch and see where the existing wires are connected. Either take a picture of the wires with your phone or label each of the wires so you know where to reconnect the new switch. Using your wire cutters, snip the wires connected to your old switch. Once your wires are cut, you’ll use wire strippers to give you a clean edge.
Pro Tip: If your wires are pretty short, you can lengthen them by creating what’s called a pigtail. For instructions, click here: How to Make a Pigtail
Step 4: Connect the New Switch
Make sure you pay attention to which wires you are connecting to which terminal. It can help to double check the wire labels you made.
Pro Tip: Wrap the wire clockwise around the screw so that it forms a snug fit as you tighten the screw. You want this to fit very tight. Loose fittings can cause electricity arcs that could be a potential fire hazard.
Step 5: Replace the Switch
Once your wires are connected and the screws are firmly tightened down, bend the wires back like an accordion and replace the wires in the box. Line up the switch with the holes in the wall and screw the new outlet into place.
Pro Tip: At this point, it’s important to check that the switch is oriented correctly and not upside-down. Make sure the “on” and “off” labels are legible when you put the switch in; namely, when you flip the switch up, the light comes on and when you flip the switch down, the light goes off.
Step 6: Install the Faceplate
Place the faceplate back on, over the switch. Screw the cover plate into place, making sure not to over tighten the screw, as this can cause the plate to crack or break.
Step 7: Turn the Power Back On and Test
Flip the breaker switch or replace the fuse in your control panel to restore power. Flip your new switch to make sure the light comes on.
If, at any point you feel uncertain or you may have gotten in over your head, call an electrician you trust for help. If you live in the Arizona market, give Any Hour Services a call. We’d be happy to send out one of our certified technicians to help with any of your electrical needs.
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Jun 14th 2022
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