How to Replace a Wall Switch

How to Replace a Wall Switch

A wall switch is a fixture that controls lights and some appliances.wall switch It comes in a variety of styles, such as toggle, rocker, and push-button. The style doesn't affect electrical wiring or function, but it can influence how a switch looks in your home's decor. If you have old switch plates and switches, it's a good idea to replace them to modernize the look of your home. This is also a safety precaution in case the switches become worn out, which can cause fire hazards. The process of replacing a light switch is relatively simple and can be done by the average do-it-yourselfer, provided that the breaker box power is shut off before working on the wires.

If the switch is on a circuit that powers several devices, such as lighting, a ceiling fan, or an outdoor light, it may be a three-way switch.wall switch A three-way switch allows you to control a light fixture from two locations, such as at the top and bottom of a staircase or from two entry doors in a large room. This is a safer alternative to having one switch controlling the fixture from just one location, and it can save on energy costs.

Most residential light switches are single-pole switches.wall switch The single-pole switch has a lever or toggle that completes the circuit when it's flipped up to turn the fixture on. These switches are typically rated for 115-volt circuits and 15 or 20 amps of current.

In order to replace a single-pole light switch, it's important to make sure that the power is turned off at the breaker panel before beginning.wall switch You can use a voltage tester to check the circuit and determine whether it's still live before you start working on the switch itself. Once the power is off, unscrew and remove the switch plate and then remove the switch from the electrical box on the wall (this usually requires using a screwdriver). You should be able to pull the switch out with the wires attached, but they should be marked in some way for easy transfer to a new switch.

You'll see at least four terminal screws in the old switch: a white wire that connects to a silver screw, a black or colored wire that carries the load to the fixture and is often called the "hot" wire, and a green or bare copper grounding wire that connects to a green screw. You'll also notice that the switch has locking tabs that grip the ends of the conductors, making them hard to pull out of the screw terminals. Before you disconnect the wires, carefully compare the layout of the terminal and ground screws on the old and new switches to ensure that you know which wires go where on the replacement.

When you're ready to install a new switch, it's important that it matches the type of switch that was previously in place. To avoid over-heating or damaging the switch, it's critical to use a new one that is rated for the voltage and current of your circuit. If you're unsure, it's best to consult an electrician.

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