Changing a single pole light switch 1. Now get the replacement light switch ready using its on off labels to help you orient the unit.

How To Replace A Light Switch Dummies
Changing a light switch. Disconnect the power to the light switch at your homes electrical service panel also known as the breaker box or. Light switches operate by providing an operational break in the hot circuit wire leading to a light fixture or other device. To replace this kind of switch follow these steps. Use a voltage tester to double check that there is no power going to the light switch before you start work. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the. Purchase a new light switch that meets your requirements at a local home repair or hardware store.
Shop all dimmers switches share. If necessary use a wire stripper to expose about a half inch of both the hot and neutral wires. When you turn on a light switch power goes to the light through the hot black wire and then back through the neutral white wire to the ground. Squeeze the socket shell to remove it from the lamp base then cut the wires attached to the old switch. Currently loaded videos are 1 through 15 of 28 total videos. Turn off the power to the switch at the main circuit breaker or fuse panel.
Steps for replacing a light switch turn off the power by locating your housebreaker and shutting the power off to the room you will be working in. Understanding how the switch is wired is the most important part. To replace your lamp switch unplug the lamp and remove the light bulb and lamp shade. Changing the light switch is a simple and inexpensive diy project. Unscrew and remove the switch plate. Then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.
Remove the old light switch cover using a flat tip screwdriver. Learning to change a light switch is a wiring project you can do yourself with just a few common tools and our easy to follow step by step instructions. Flipping the switchs lever opens and closes the hot wire circuit leading to the light fixture allowing you to turn it on and off at will. Carefully strip about 12 an inch of insulation off of the wires then reconnect the wires to the new switch.